Having a new family member can be a joyful moment for every parent. It can be a momentous celebration to cherish when you bring a wonderful life into the world. However, despite this life-changing event, terrible things may also happen. This is especially true if the doctors and other medical professionals taking care of you fail to exercise a reasonable standard of care, resulting in some severe birth complications, which fall under the grounds of medical malpractice.  

Essentially, medical malpractice refers to a type of personal injury case that happens when a medical professional neglects their duty of care which caused an injury to a patient. Hence, if you or your baby has suffered a complication during childbirth, it’s essential to know what to do in the first place, including when should you contact a birth injury lawyer in California to assist you with the steps to take to seek justice for what happened.  

It can really be devastating to experience such medical oversight, therefore having the right information regarding ways to deal with complications during birth is the best way to confront this situation.  

  1. Get Familiar With Some Common Childbirth Complications  

To properly handle complications that happen during childbirth, it’s crucial to educate yourself about them. Knowing about the potential risks during birth can help you identify if something is wrong early on and figure out the next steps to take. The more you’re familiar with these things, the better you can navigate the situation.  

Some common complications during delivery can include: 

  • Prolonged Labor: It usually happens to first-time mothers wherein the labor doesn’t progress as quickly as it should. It can be due to a big baby or a uterus that failed to contract properly.  
  • Breech Position: It occurs when the baby’s feet are positioned to be delivered first before their head. If the baby is still in the position during labor, the doctor usually orders a caesarian delivery.  
  • Umbilical Cord Compression: It happens when the umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck. In that case, the doctor may rush the baby’s delivery by using vacuum assistance or forceps or through a caesarian delivery to ensure the baby’s safety.  
  • Uterus Rupture: It’s a situation during childbirth that occurs when the wall of the mother’s uterus tears open, causing the baby and the amniotic fluid to come out of the womb. It’s a dangerous complication because the baby is at risk of oxygen deprivation.  

There are many childbirth complications to be aware of from the beginning. Unfortunately, some of these problems can cause a birth injury, including irregular heartbeat and perinatal asphyxia or a condition when the baby has difficulty breathing when they’re born. That said, make sure you know these birth complications to handle the situation more effectively.  

  1. Consider A Legal Recourse 

If you or your baby has experienced complications during childbirth, you may need to consider legal options to deal with these matters properly. This is especially important if you believe the complications resulted from the doctor’s negligence and other healthcare professionals who attended to you while giving birth.  

Generally, one of these options is to file a medical malpractice claim to pursue just compensation. Although no amount of money is commensurable to the losses you or your baby suffered, bringing a claim can help you obtain financial compensation to recover and get back on your feet in no time.  

However, filing a malpractice case due to birth injuries can be complicated. Unless you’re a medical malpractice expert, you need the services of a dedicated lawyer to help you in the following ways: 

  • Examine the facts of your case and offer the legal advice you need.
  • Prove the elements of negligence to improve your chances of getting the right amount of compensation.
  • Prepare all the necessary documents to ensure a valid malpractice claim. 
  • Assist in the evidence-collection process to make sure you get the evidence you need to substantiate your claim, including medical reports, witness testimonies, expert witness statements, and other forms of documentation.
  • Provide legal representation in negotiation meetings and legal proceedings, including dealing with the medical licensing board.  
Clipboard with documents about medical malpractice and gavel.
  1. Seek Medical Care Right Away  

Some birth complications can result in disability and other serious medical conditions. Because of this, it’s vital to seek immediate medical attention for you or your baby. Doing so can prevent the worsening of birth complications, leading to disability or even death. 

Aside from that, having the right medical documentation can be a significant form of evidence when you pursue legal actions. 

When you obtain the medical care you need, you or your baby will receive the proper treatment and rehabilitation, which is fundamental in your overall recovery and quality of life.  

Bottom Line  

Dealing with complications during birth can be overwhelming, mainly if they result from negligence. If you don’t know what to do from the get-go, life may become more difficult for you and your family. To avoid this unfortunate situation, it’s best to keep the abovementioned information in mind. By doing this, you can act fast and get the justice you or your baby deserves.