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Chorioamnionitis Infection

Chorioamnionitis Infection Attorneys In Cleveland

WHAT IS A CHORIOAMNIONITIS INFECTION?

A particularly severe infection of the membranes and amniotic fluid surrounding the baby, chorioamnionitis is sometimes used as a defense in cerebral palsy birth injury lawsuits.

Some doctors and hospitals will blame the baby’s injury on the infection, though it only occurs in 2% of United States births, and argue that lack of oxygen was not the cause. Frequently, the defense is used in light of pathologic findings of chorioamnionitis (for example, pathology of the placenta) even though there are no clinical symptoms.

Reach out to the Ohio chorioamnionitis infection lawyers at The Becker Law Firm to learn more. We can be reached online or by phone at (440) 252-4399; free consultations are available.

What Causes Chorioamnionitis?

Chorioamnionitis occurs when membranes rupture during labor. The bacteria from the lower genital tract are then able to ascend and begin to start infecting the outer layer of the amniotic sac. Certain procedures such as cerclage and amniocentesis can increase the likelihood of chorioamnionitis to occur.

However, the four most likely causes of chorioamnionitis are:

  • When there has been a rupture of membranes for more than 8 hours
  • When the mother has a GBS, or Group B Streptococcus, infection
  • When there are numerous or too many vaginal exams being conducted during the course of labor
  • When there is internal monitoring of the baby

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Chorioamnionitis

Symptoms of chorioamnionitis include:

  • Maternal fever
  • Elevated maternal white blood count
  • Fetal tachycardia (fast heart rate)
  • Uterine tenderness

Diagnosis can be difficult, even in the face of these symptoms (See Diagnosis and Management of Clinical Chorioamnionitis, Alan T. N. Tita, M.D., Ph.D.). Many of these symptoms have other causes that must be excluded. For example, maternal fever may be caused by patients who receive prostaglandins to induce labor or patients who have epidurals. Likewise, the white blood count naturally increases in pregnancy and even further with labor. It can be associated with preterm and prolonged rupture of membranes (PROM).

If there is any doubt as to the diagnosis, an amniocentesis (removal of some amniotic fluid) can be performed and the fluid can be cultured. Not all hospitals perform those tests, however.

Complications Associated with Chorioamnionitis

Chorioamnionitis can cause injury to the mother and the baby. It is associated with fetal sepsis, premature birth, stillbirth, lung disease, and cerebral palsy.

Treatment of Chorioamnionitis

If the symptoms exist without any other likely cause, physicians should immediately begin treatment. The obstetrician’s course of action will depend on how far along the pregnancy is and whether the baby requires more time in the womb.

There are only two treatments for chorioamnionitis. Intravenous antibiotics should be used. If the pregnancy is far enough along, the baby should be delivered by induction and vaginal delivery, or by cesarean section if the baby appears to be in any danger.

If your pregnancy was complicated by infection or if your child has cerebral palsy or other developmental delays, contact our Ohio chorioamnionitis attorneys at (440) 252-4399 for a free consultation.

  • $13.5 Million Birth Injury

    Becker Law Firm attorneys Michael Becker and David Skall obtained a jury verdict for $13.5 million in Akron, Ohio. The case involved a now 16- year-old boy who suffered a brain injury at the time of birth (specifically a watershed injury). The doctor held liable for causing the boy’s injury is Laura Fortner, M.D., previously of Atrium OB/GYN, Inc.

    • David W. Skall
    • Michael F. Becker
  • $4.5 Million Birth Injury

    Failure to Carefully Ligate Umbilical Cord, Resulting In Severing Child’s Great Toe, Major Fluctuation In Child’s Blood Pressure And Subsequent Brain Damage (Cerebral Palsy & Developmental Delays)

    • Michael F. Becker
  • $4.25 Million Birth Injury

    Failure of Obsterical Caregivers to Recognize Maternal Hemorrhage Resulting in Brain Damage

    • Michael F. Becker
  • $4 Million Birth Injury

    Failure to provide intra-partum and immediate post-partum antibiotics.

  • $3.14 Million Birth Injury

    Failure to perform timely cesarean section which resulted in severe birth asphyxia.

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    Your unwavering dedication and expert guidance have truly been a lifesaver. Your sharp legal mind and compassionate heart have made all the difference. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being there for us every step of the way. We are forever grateful Words cannot express our gratitude for everything you have done for us. Your outstanding professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to justice have been nothing short of remarkable. You have given us back our confidence and hope during a difficult time. Thank you for being our champions. Thank you so much.

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    It was an honor having such an experienced lawyer handle my son's cerebral palsy case. He represented us as if he was fighting for his own family member. Everyone at the firm made us feel comfortable about our case. I knew that my son was getting the best representation in Northeast Ohio. The Becker Law Firm is dedicated to bringing justice to their clients. I've already referred families that I know!
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    Right from the very beginning of our case, David Skall and his assistant Jean Witt were both extremely kind and compassionate to help us put closure on a wrongful death case involving my father at a care facility. They were quick to answer any questions that we had and they made sure we were kept in the loop of this entire process. even though we were in the middle of a pandemic, David and his team were able to adapt their technology and make it all work out for our benefit. I would strongly recommend them to anyone in need of legal help.
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