While every pregnancy, labor and delivery is unique, sometimes unfortunate injuries occur. Sadly, substandard care can occur anywhere in Illinois, resulting in severe, sometimes life-threatening conditions for mothers and their infants. No matter how proactive you are as a patient, however, you are not responsible for your OB’s actions, nor the behavior of any medical staff member.
Medical negligence often causes birth injuries
The following list includes numerous issues that may arise while you are under the care of an OB, which could result in injuries to you or your baby:
- Failure to detect fetal distress
- Not ordering a C-section in a timely manner when necessary
- Misuse of vacuum device or forceps
- Not informing mother of risks involving vacuum or forceps
- Rough handling of infant as he or she navigates entrance through canal
- Failure to diagnose maternal adverse health conditions
Injuries that may result from these issues can be life-threatening in certain circumstances.
Do you have a high-risk pregnancy?
If you have gestational diabetes or high blood pressure, or a pre-existing condition such as hypoglycemia, your OB will want to closely monitor your pregnancy, labor and delivery because you are in a high-risk category. Thanks to advanced technology and medical science, mothers with such conditions can be hopeful that they will be able to successfully navigate the birthing process.
If you or your child suffers birth injuries due to medical negligence, Illinois law provides resources for you to seek restitution for damages in a civil court. Any person who was responsible for the injuries that occurred may be held accountable in a court of law.
