Did a doctor or nurse make a mistake that caused umbilical cord problems for your newborn?
The umbilical cord is the life source for a developing baby. It is this link from the child to the mom’s placenta that maintains a child’s rich blood supply during pregnancy. Occasionally, the umbilical cord can move into a dangerous position and wrap around the child’s neck. If this complication is not discovered and dealt with properly, the baby can quickly become oxygen-starved and suffer severe and fatal injuries like brain damage and organ failure.
Umbilical Cord Dangers
Umbilical cord strangulation occurs in a very small percentage of pregnancies, and when it does, the key to avoiding serious health consequences lies in the timing of treatment.
In many dangerous umbilical cord situations, ordering a C-section birth poses an immediate solution. Once the incision is made in the mother’s stomach, the doctor can gently unwrap the umbilical cord and proceed with the extraction of the child, or cut the cord right away.
In some instances of umbilical cord strangulation, the problem is not discovered in time to prevent serious injury. This can happen due to the labor and delivery team’s failure to closely observe the child’s condition with a fetal heartbeat monitor or ultrasound test. If there are actions your doctor could have taken to minimize the risk of strangulation, but instead overlooked important safety precautions, he or she can be held accountable for the harm that resulted.
Investigating Umbilical Cord Strangulation
If a doctor or nurse’s bad decision concerning your child’s umbilical cord complication directly led to injury, you may have a claim for medical negligence.
A birth injury lawyer can review the details of your labor and delivery to help you decide if filing a claim is the best decision for your family. You may be entitled to substantial compensation for the life-threatening injuries your child suffered.
For more information about umbilical cord strangulation and your legal rights, please contact the Birth Injury Lawyers Group today.