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PROM and P-PROM

PROM And P-PROM Lawyers In Cleveland

WHAT IS PREMATURE/PRETERM PREMATURE RUPTURE OF MEMBRANES?

When a pregnant woman’s water breaks, it means the amniotic sac that surrounds the baby has broken or torn. This is called the rupture of membranes. Typically the membranes rupture during or just prior to the start of labor. If the membranes rupture when the mother is beyond 37 weeks of gestation and labor has not yet commenced, it is called a premature rupture of membranes (PROM). If membranes rupture prior to 37 weeks, it is called a preterm, premature rupture of membranes (P-PROM).

The Ohio PROM and P-PROM attorneys at The Becker Law Firm have obtained millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements in cases involving medical negligence associated with PROM and P-PROM.

Rupture of Membranes: Injuries Caused By Improper Management

The failure to establish whether PROM or P-PROM have occurred and/or failure to properly respond to a premature rupture of membranes can put the baby at risk of serious birth injuries. Bacteria and other germs in the vagina can gain direct access to the fetus.

The umbilical cord can prolapse. The membranes can become inflamed. P-PROM can bring on preterm labor, exposing the child to the risks of premature birth, including respiratory distress or brain damage from lack of oxygen (hypoxia, asphyxia) due to lungs that are ill-formed.

There are many complications that can result from improper management of rupture of membranes at all stages. Some of the most common are:

Medical Treatment for PROM and P-PROM

Treatment depends on the age of the baby. The two factors that the doctor must weigh are the risks of prematurity versus the risks of infection. Typically, before 32 weeks the baby will benefit from more time in the womb; after 36 weeks the baby should be delivered; and from 32 to 36 weeks, this can be a more complicated decision, dependent on the developmental stage of the baby.

Rupture of membranes before 37 weeks can cause preterm labor and delivery and chorioamnionitis (an infection that can cause cerebral palsy). Untreated, 50% of patients will go into labor within 24 hours, and 75% will go into labor within 48 hours. Even though more time in the womb is important for continued development, PPROM may increase the risk of chorioamnionitis, placental abruption, and cord prolapse.

To determine whether preterm rupture of membranes has occurred, the physician should talk with the expectant mother and possibly perform additional testing. If those tests are inconclusive, an ultrasound may show the level of amniotic fluid to determine if a rupture has occurred.

When chorioamnionitis is a concern, the mother’s temperature and white blood count should be closely tracked, the mother should be evaluated for uterine tenderness, and the fetal heart rate tracings should be monitored closely.

Antibiotics like ampicillin can help to prevent the period before labor. P-PROM occurs in three percent of pregnancies and causes one-third of all preterm deliveries.

Contact our firm today for a free consultation regarding your case. Call (440) 252-4399 or fill out and submit an online contact form.

  • $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.

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    "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.
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    We Fight for Full Justice

    If your child suffered harm because of a preterm delivery due to PROM or P-PROM, please contact our experienced Ohio birth injury lawyers to arrange a free initial consultation and case evaluation. If we pursue a birth injury malpractice lawsuit on your behalf, you will pay no costs or fees unless we secure financial compensation in your case.

    Contact our team at (440) 252-4399, or fill out our online contact form for a free case evaluation.

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