Skip to Content
Top
Dangerous Medications

Birth Injuries Caused by Dangerous Medications in Ohio

How Unsafe Medications and Medication Errors Lead to Birth Injuries

Women are warned throughout pregnancy that medicine of any kind has the potential to harm their developing babies. During delivery, some women are given potentially dangerous medications to induce labor, enhance contractions, or dull the pain of childbirth. The negligent use of these medications can result in serious brain injury to the baby and even death.

At The Becker Law Firm, we represent families who have suffered harm because of dangerous medications and their use and misuse. Our Ohio dangerous medication attorneys can help you determine if medical negligence and the use of dangerous medications led to your or your child’s injuries.

We review cases involving harm caused by potentially dangerous medication, including:

Call (440) 252-4399 or fill out an online contact form to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys today.

Medications Prescribed Before Labor

Many medications have not been adequately tested on pregnant women and so their effects on the women and their babies are not well-known before those drugs reach the marketplace. When those drugs cause injuries to the baby, the family may have a product liability lawsuit.

In other cases, medications are well-known to cause injuries to unborn children. Doctors who prescribe them without verifying that their patients are not pregnant may be subject to medical malpractice lawsuits.

Many antidepressants, including Paxil and Prozac, can cause severe injuries, including persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), hearing loss, seizures, heart defects, and brain damage.

Other dangerous drugs include:

  • Accutane (acne medication)
  • Topomax (anti-seizure medication)
  • Depakote (anti-seizure medication)
  • Some antibiotics
  • Anti-cancer drugs

Medications Given During Labor

  • Anesthesia & Epidurals: Anesthesiologists are responsible for ensuring that the proper amount and types of medication are given to expectant mothers in the proper manner. Particularly with epidurals, where the medication is administered directly into the spine, there is no room for error. The wrong medication, wrong amount, or a needle inserted into the wrong place can have catastrophic effects on the mother and child.
  • Cytotec (Misoprostol): Cytotec was originally created as an ulcer treatment drug, with warnings against use by pregnant women because it was linked to early abortions. As time went on, doctors began using Cytotec off-label (in a manner not prescribed by the drug’s manufacturer) as a cervical ripening agent because it causes uterine contractions and ripening of the cervix. Many doctors believe that Cytotec is more effective than Pitocin when the cervix is not ripe. In fact, Searle, the manufacturer, has stated that the drug carries risks of uterine rupture, uterine hyperstimulation, amniotic fluid embolism, and death. It may also cause premature birth and birth defects. Despite these warnings, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) supports continued use of Cytotec to induce pregnancy. It can be taken orally or inserted directly into the vagina.
  • Pitocin (Oxytocin, Syntocinon): Like Cytotec, Pitocin is also a drug used to induce labor. It can cause contractions in the second and third stages of labor. The amount must be closely regulated, otherwise, there is a significant risk that of uterine hyperstimulation, which can cause fetal distress through rapid and strong contractions that restrict oxygen and blood delivery to the baby or even uterine rupture. Pitocin is given through an IV.

Call us at (440) 252-4399. We’ll speak with you and evaluate the details of your case free of charge. Because we take cases on a contingency basis, you won’t be charged any attorney fees unless compensation is recovered.

  • $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.

    "Thank you for being our champions."

    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.

    - The C. Family
    "Michael Becker helped us secure our daughter’s future needs. We will always be grateful for the impact he has had on our family."
    We were greeted with professionalism, expertise, compassion, respect, and a desire to provide the best quality of life for our daughter. She was always the top priority. Mr. Becker represented our daughter and family as if it was his own. His staff was equ
    - Kris Harmon, mother of Perri
    "Mike represented us as if he was fighting for his own family member. I knew that my son was getting the best representation in Northeast Ohio."
    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!
    - Knyesha Washington
    "David worked our case with professionalism and patience in an amazing way that ultimately led to a positive outcome."
    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.
    - John Z.
  • The Inner Circle of Advocates
  • Best Law Firms
  • NBTA - Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • NBTA
  • AV Preeminent
  • International Society of Barristers
  • American Association for Justice
  • CATA

    Contact The Becker Law Firm Today

    If you believe that your child was injured because of a medication error, defective medication, or improper administration of medication, contact our medical malpractice and product liability lawyers in Ohio. Our lawyers have the legal and medical knowledge required to pursue complex cases involving medication-related negligence and dangerous drugs.

    Discuss your case with our Ohio birth injury attorneys; call (440) 252-4399 for a free consultation.

    Free Case Evaluation DON’T SETTLE FOR LESS THAN FULL JUSTICE

    Fill out The Form or Give Us a Call at (440) 252-4399 to Request Your Free Case Evaluation

    Or
    Call Us Today (440) 252-4399
    • Please enter your first name.
    • Please enter your last name.
    • Please enter your phone number.
      This isn't a valid phone number.
    • Please enter your email address.
      This isn't a valid email address.
    • Please make a selection.
    • Please enter a message.
    • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy