The lives of mothers and their newborns are typically entrusted to doctors, nurses and other medical staff during the birthing process. Most Louisiana couples expect to take home a healthy baby. However, doctor negligence can crush parents’ hopes and alter the course of a newborn’s life forever.
Injuries to the baby and/or the mother during delivery can have significant health consequences. Even though women gave birth for many centuries without medical intervention, many women now give birth in hospitals. The more people who are involved in the process, the greater the chances are that something could go wrong.
If a doctor uses too much force or misuses forceps, the baby can suffer injuries. Conditions such as cerebral palsy, shoulder dystocia and Erb’s Palsy, among other conditions, can all result from errors during the delivery. These injuries can affect a child’s life forever. If a mother and her baby are not properly monitored during labor, the baby and/or the mother can suffer distress, which can lead to serious injuries or death. Failure to order an emergency Cesarean section in a timely manner can also have dire consequences for both mother and child.
If you or your loved one suffered serious injury or died during labor and delivery, seek the advice and assistance of an attorney. You may be able to file a hospital, nursing and/or doctor negligence claim. If the evidence establishes that the proper standard of care was not provided, a Louisiana court will consider an award of damages that could be used for current and future medical and other care that may be needed in the future.