Washington D.C. Injured Baby Lawyers

Maryland Birth Injury Attorneys

Injuries to Babies During Childbirth

One of the most important functions of the labor and delivery team is to pay careful attention to signs of fetal distress during labor. The fetal heart monitor provides the best information regarding the baby's well-being during labor. It provides information about the baby's heart rate in response to the mother's contractions, which is evidence of whether the baby is in trouble.

One of the most common types of medical negligence is failing to recognize evidence on the fetal heart monitor that the baby is in trouble and needs prompt delivery, by c-section if necessary. Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is a medical term for brain injury caused by either a total lack of oxygen or inadequate oxygen (birth asphyxia) being delivered to the infant's brain. Lack of oxygen will show up on the fetal heart monitor.

Another important sign of fetal distress is the presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid when the mother's water breaks. Other signs seen even before delivery can be decreased levels of amniotic fluid seen on sonogram, and maternal fever.

The birth injury lawyers at Schultz & Trombly, PLLC, are experienced at investigating the causes of birth injuries and infant deaths. We represent parents and children in Washington, DC and Maryland who have suffered brain damage, Erb's palsy, cerebral palsy, and other medical problems because of medical negligence.

If you suspect that your child's medical condition or birth defect is a result of medical malpractice, contact our Washington, DC law office to speak directly with an experienced lawyer at no cost.

Another type of birth injury is nerve damage to the baby's arm during delivery (Erbs Palsy). Injury to the brachial plexis nerve occurs when the baby's shoulder lodges against the mother's pelvic bone (shoulder dystocia), stopping the baby from descending through the vaginal canal. There are well-establish steps an obstetrician is suppose to take to free the shoulder and allow delivery of the baby. Most of the time this can be accomplished without injury.

Damage to the brachial plexis nerve occurs when the obstetrician does not use follow those steps and instead puts his hands on the baby's head and tries to pull down and twist the head. This stretches the baby's neck and potentially damages the brachial plexis nerve. If the birth injury is severe, the baby may have permanent loss or use or impaired use of his or her arm and hand.

If you believe your child's brain damage, cerebral palsy, or Erb's palsy may be due to medical negligence, call one of our experienced birth injury lawyers about your situation. You can schedule an initial consultation either on the phone or in person at our Washington, DC office. If we think you may have a case, we will undertake a thorough investigation and will pursue a legal case for you.

Every birth injury case we handle is on a contingency fee basis so you do not have to worry about any out of pocket expenses for attorneys fees. We receive payment only if and when we've obtained money for you.

Our lawyers work with clients who have claims involving injuries to babies in Washington, D.C., Baltimore City, throughout Maryland including Prince George's County, and, with the assistance of local counsel, in Virginia and other jurisdictions. Contact us to set up a free initial consultation with one of our firm's attorneys.