Injuries Caused by Labor Induction
Posted Friday, January 31, 2020 by Chris Thayer
Having a baby is one of the greatest joys in life. However, under certain tragic circumstances, labor induction can cause catastrophic injuries and death to either the mother or the baby.
*The Decision to Induce Labor*Most medical experts agree that a mother should be induced to start the process of labor under certain circumstances. If the fetal growth of a baby has stopped, if the mother is past two weeks of her due date, there are infections or medical complications for either the mother or baby, or the mother’s water broke but feels no contractions, these are all instances in which the decision to induce labor is medically accepted. Other instances of inducing labor include those women who have had previous complications in birth or who live very far from a hospital or medical facility.
*Medications Used to Induce Labor *The medications Pitocin, Cytotec, and Cervidil are all medications used to induce labor by increasing the frequency of contractions that speed up the labor and delivery process. Cytotec is approved for FDA use for inductions, but many doctors still use this drug and severe injuries result. Some complications related to labor induction include having too many contractions, too frequent of contractions, failed inductions, placental abruptions or hemorrhaging. These medications can lead to birth injuries or even death of either the mother or baby.
*Injuries Due to Labor Induction *Medical induction can cause severe injuries including uterine rupture, too many contractions, complications with the umbilical cord, premature births, severe bleeding, postpartum hemorrhage, increased risk of a Cesarean section, amniotic fluid embolism, Cerebral Palsy or Erb’s Palsy, traumatic brain injuries, stroke, or even death. Injuries can occur to both the mother and/or baby and can cause serious damage that may be permanent.
*Long-Term Effects *If a family suffers a birth injury to the mother or child, the effects can last months, years, or even be permanent. Some of the things a child may need if they suffer a birth injury can include continued medical treatment, surgeries, physical therapy, home modifications, therapy aids, orthotics, braces, wheelchairs, tutoring, therapy, special education, special organizations for encouragement and support, and lifelong assistance. While compensation for an injury or death will never replace the health or life of a mother or baby, the medical bills, lost wages, or potentially a lifetime of medical needs, therapy, and care, can encourage parents to seek monetary recovery for someone else’s negligence.
*Contact an Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorney *If you or your baby suffered injuries or death due to a medical practitioner’s negligence regarding labor induction, you should contact experienced medical malpractice and personal injury attorney to help you build a strong case. The statute of limitations deadline is only three years, so you must act quickly. Contact our compassionate attorneys at the Pivotal Law Group at 206-340-2008. You may have the right to receive compensation. We proudly serve the Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Burien, Mercer Island and Issaquah areas.