Failure to Respond to Fetal Distress

Atlanta Fetal Distress Lawyers

When a child is in fetal distress, the delivery team must rely on electronic monitoring systems to help decide how to continue with the labor and delivery. If they fail to monitor or react to a child in fetal distress, the child may be at risk for cerebral palsy or another type of birth injury. Additionally, failure to monitor fetal distress can also put the mother at risk.

Was your child injured at birth in Georgia? If your doctor failed to properly monitor or respond to fetal distress, you may be able to file a claim for damages. To find out if you are eligible, complete our free case review form to contact our Atlanta birth injury lawyers.

Fetal Distress During Delivery

Fetal distress is a type of complication which can occur during labor and delivery. Before or during childbirth, fetal distress indicates to the medical team that a problem exists within the child. In most cases, fetal distress signifies that the child is not receiving enough oxygen.

An abnormal fetal heart rate is the most common sign that a child is not receiving enough oxygen or otherwise suffering from fetal distress. During the delivery process, the obstetric team monitors the child's heart rate with a stethoscope or through electronic fetal heart monitoring. If a heart rate abnormality is noted, the mother will typically be turned on her left side or given fluids through an IV. If these measures do not help with the child’s fetal distress, the delivery process will be expedited through a C-section or the use of forceps or vacuum extractors.

Atlanta Fetal Distress Lawyers

Failure to respond to fetal distress can have a devastating effect on the child, who may need special care or medical treatment over the course of their lifetime. In fact, it is estimated that a family caring for a child with cerebral palsy will spend nearly $1 million over their son or daughter’s lifetime. While filing a birth injury lawsuit cannot erase a diagnosis, it can help families deal with the financial repercussions of their child’s birth injury.

If your child was injured at birth, our Georgia medical malpractice lawyers will investigate your claim to determine if the doctor, midwife or other healthcare professional was negligent in caring for or delivering your son or daughter. Should the investigation reveal medical negligence, our Atlanta birth injury lawyers will seek compensation for medical expenses, lifelong care and other damages resulting from your child's birth injury. Contact us today by filling out our no risk, no cost case evaluation form today.