Baltimore Stillbirths and Deaths Lawyer
For many women, being pregnant is one of life’s greatest joys and the upcoming birth is highly anticipated. Sadly, the death of a child can turn that joy into heartache. Approximately one out of every 160 births is a stillbirth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The majority of stillbirths are a result of natural causes, but there are times when medical negligence contributes to the death. If you have lost a child and you believe it was due to medical malpractice, a Baltimore stillbirth lawyer can help you seek justice for yourself and your child.
What is a Stillbirth?
Many people confuse the terms ‘miscarriage’ and ‘stillbirth’ and use them interchangeably. However, while both terms refer to the loss of a child before they are born, there are differences between the two. When a child dies in utero before the 20th week of pregnancy, it is considered a miscarriage. If the death occurs after the 20th week of gestation, it is known as a stillbirth. In either case, the loss of a child is devastating for the mother and the entire family.
Causes of Stillbirth
It is not always possible to determine the cause of a stillbirth. In other cases, a medical error is to blame for the loss. Some of the most common causes of stillbirths are as follows:
- Umbilical cord complications
- Infections in the fetus or mother
- Placental abruption
- Maternal high blood pressure
- Pregnancies involving multiples, such as twins and triplets
- Preterm labor
- Birth defects
- Medical complications, such as diabetes
While not all of the above causes constitute medical malpractice, there are times when a stillbirth could have been prevented. In these cases, the loss is usually due to medical error.
When is Stillbirth Medical Malpractice?
A stillbirth is considered medical malpractice when a medical professional failed to provide the adequate standard of care and that negligence led to the loss of life. Some of the most common examples of medical malpractice involving stillbirths include:
- A failure to consider the risks associated with previous medical issues
- A failure to follow the standard procedures to prevent infection
- Appropriate steps and necessary screening to address the risks of fetal abnormalities are not taken
- A failure to diagnose maternal disorders prior to the birth
- A failure to diagnose or follow up on signs of fetal distress
- A failure to verify that medications prescribed during pregnancy are safe
Parents can file a medical malpractice claim any time the loss of a child is due to a medical professional who failed to use the appropriate standard of care. To establish this standard of care, it is important to obtain testimony from an expert witness. In Maryland, this witness must be another medical professional in the same field as the defendant and they must attest to the fact that the defendant deviated from the acceptable standard of care.
Our Birth Injury Lawyer in Baltimore Can Prove Your Case
If you have lost a child before or during birth, our Baltimore birth injury lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC can help your family during this extremely difficult time. We know how to prove medical malpractice was to blame for the loss and will help you obtain the full financial compensation you are entitled to. Call us today at 410-998-3600 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.
