Child Birth Injury in St. Louis, MO

Do you have enough time to find a lawyer and file a civil lawsuit for a childbirth injury?

In general, Missouri law allows parents to start litigation within two years of the qualifying event. However, this deadline can be problematic based on the realities of when symptoms appear. Some injuries do not present for weeks, months, or years afterward.

Consequently, parents in St. Louis cannot delay learning about their options. Begin that critical process with us by reading this quick guide today!

What Causes a Childbirth Injury?

Was a medical professional you trusted negligent and did damage occur as a result? If so, affected parents have a chance of bringing a medical malpractice lawsuit for compensation in St. Louis, MO.

During any labor and delivery process, timing and action are two crucial elements. Sometimes an infant suffers a birth injury. It can mean that a medical practitioner either made a poor judgment call or failed to act appropriately. If the St. Louis medical provider’s actions go against the standard of care, then it may fit the legal definition of negligence.

To prove birth injury, negligence must have a direct connection to the damage. One of the most unfortunate elements of childbirth injury is not discovering the effects right away. Some injuries are discernible immediately after they happen. However, things that affect the brain may not be evident until developmental milestones are not reached.

Outside factors have also contributed to problems in delivery rooms in St. Louis. According to KMOV, pregnancy-related death statistics rose significantly because of the pandemic.

Beyond this, there are quite a few scenarios that may cause a child to sustain an injury while being born in St. Louis. One of the following examples may apply to your circumstances.

• Improper Vacuum Usage

Sometimes a mother has difficulties delivering a baby through the birth canal. St. Louis medical professionals may intervene and use a vacuum to assist. This machine is a standard instrument that can help suction the baby down and out of the birth canal. The vacuum attaches to the baby’s head or shoulders. Nurses and doctors are responsible for placing it appropriately. However, sometimes the vacuum is not attached where it should be. This error can cause severe injury to the mother and the infant during childbirth.

• Improper Use of Forceps

There are other options when a mother is having difficulty delivering her child. For example, the baby can be improperly positioned in the womb.

In this case, attending medical professionals may use forceps to help move a baby through the birthing canal. Appropriate use of forceps reduces oxygen deprivation. This tool also reduces the chances of fetal distress that can result in birth injuries.

The medical professionals that are birthing a child must use extreme care. The improper use of forceps can cause severe injuries to the head. Additionally, this device can also cause nerve damage in the neck or the chest.

• Hypoxia

Hypoxia is a medical condition that occurs when the brain of a baby is not receiving enough oxygen. The most common cause before and during delivery is the umbilical cord becoming tangled around the baby’s neck.

This condition often occurs due to a damaged or infected placenta. Thankfully, most St. Louis, Missouri medical professionals can identify hypoxia well in advance. As a result, they can intercede to eliminate the chances of the infant or the mother facing harm.

However, if the professional medical staff does not take action quickly enough, asphyxiation may occur. This can result in causing a child to develop severe physical or mental disabilities. Accordingly, medical staff may be liable for any damages that happened.

• Cesarean Section Delay

An emergency C-section may be necessary due to the infant’s fetal distress. This medical event occurs when the heartbeat of the infant drops because of the mother’s blood pressure. In addition, this condition can happen when there is a placental abruption or other breathing difficulties.

In truth, there are several reasons why a doctor may perform a C-section. For example, the baby could be in the wrong position or fail to descend into the birth canal. Another qualifying situation is when the mother has labored without dilation.

In these and other circumstances, the doctor may determine whether this procedure needs to happen. It may be the only way to safely birth the baby without further damage. But, the medical staff may wait too long to perform a cesarean. If so, the consequences for mother and child could be quite grave.

• Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that requires therapy and medical devices to assist with mobility. Furthermore, there are documented cases of medical malpractice causing it to develop in infants.

St. Louis Children’s Hospital suggests cerebral palsy develops in 3 per 1,000 babies. Symptoms generally develop early and allow parents to pursue civil remedies. Regardless, the issues may appear like other conditions and result in a misdiagnosis.

• Brachial Plexus Palsy

Damage to the brachial plexus can be a significant problem for infants and their mothers. Certain birthing positions make it more likely, and too much force can worsen it.

St. Louis Children’s Hospital points out the symptoms parents may witness in their children. In particular, weakness or paralysis will present in an arm or hand. Some cases will recover spontaneously, but the worst conditions need surgery and therapy.

What Are Some Other Possible Causes of Childbirth Injury in St. Louis?

Other types of medical neglect that could result in injuries to the child or the birth mother include:

• Failing to perform sufficient prenatal testing
• Not using labor-inducing drugs timely
• Failing to diagnose or treat infections, umbilical cord entrapment, placental abruption, premature rupture of the membranes or placenta previa
• Not addressing changes in the baby’s condition

Why Should You Take Action for Your Child Birth Injury?

St. Louis has an alarmingly high infant mortality rate compared to the rest of the nation. The Missouri Department of Health and Social Services says there are 9.8 deaths per 1,000 births. Accordingly, there are genuine public concerns about obstetric services and how injuries contribute to this statistic.

It is essential that any parent whose child has been diagnosed with a birth injury in St. Louis, take action to seek financial compensation. The most practical reason to pursue a childbirth injury lawsuit is to protect your financial future. A child and their mother may have to deal with a lifetime of setbacks and disabilities. The costs for treatment, medical equipment, and medications can overwhelm your budget quickly. As well, the trajectory of your life or your child’s can depend on pursuing civil action.

Work With an Experienced Local Child Birth Injury Lawyer in St. Louis, Missouri 

If you suspect child birth injury medical malpractice in St. Louis, you should take action. Find a local child birth injury lawyer to navigate the often difficult waters of birth injury lawsuits. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Missouri state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!