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Prenatal Care Negligence

Cleveland Prenatal Care Negligence Attorneys

Birth Injuries Caused By Negligent Pregnancy & Prenatal Care

Nine months is a long time. Without exaggerating the dangers, a lot can go wrong. Under the regular care of a qualified and diligent physician, pregnant women can avoid most serious complications; however, mistakes can and do happen, resulting in lasting harm for some.

If your baby is suffering from the effects of prenatal care negligence, The Becker Law Firm is a strong advocate for your rights. We can take the time to address your suspicions that the actions, advice, or oversight of medical professionals led to a birth injury or the death of your baby.

Call The Becker Law Firm today at (440) 252-4399 for a free initial consultation with our prenatal care negligence attorneys in Cleveland, Ohio.

Risk Management & Early Pregnancy Care

Your obstetrician/gynecologist (OB/GYN), midwife, or family practice doctor is responsible for identifying possible medical complications through routine screenings for risk factors.

Women identified as "high risk" (e.g., advanced maternal age, gestational diabetes, hypertension, multiple gestation, and previous premature births) may be referred to a maternal/fetal specialist, genetic counselor, or neonatologist for additional work-up. Women planning a vaginal birth after a previous cesarean (VBAC) are at particular risk of uterine rupture.

Competent prenatal care during the first and second trimesters typically includes:

  • Screens for genetic birth defects
  • Carefully conducted pelvic exams
  • Sonograms (ultrasound) to ensure that the embryo is properly implanted and to detect heart defects or other issues that must be addressed in utero or after birth
  • Urine tests to detect abnormal levels of hormones, proteins, or bacteria
  • Prompt investigation of spotting or cramping, excessive water retention or high blood pressure, unusual weight loss or weight gain, and discrepancy between fundal height and gestational age

When investigating obstetric malpractice, one might ask: What are the doctor’s qualifications? How many babies have they delivered? Did they identify your pregnancy as high risk, or recognize that your symptoms require immediate attention? Did the caregiver receive, review, and properly interpret lab tests? Did they discuss VBAC? How did the doctor/clinic nurses respond when you reported problems?

Later Stages of Pregnancy

While a fetus may be medically viable near the end of the second trimester, premature birth should be avoided unless immediately necessary to save the baby or prevent harm to the mother. As pregnancy progresses, the doctor should be vigilant for abruption (separation) of the placenta, incompetent cervix (which can be sewn shut), preterm labor, and any evidence of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). A non-stress test (NST) and regular ultrasounds should be performed to verify that the baby is healthy (or to recognize and treat fetal distress).

Several dangers that arise in the third trimester include:

If there was a birth injury, we may look into: What tests were performed in the third trimester? Were arrangements made for preterm induction or C-section? Were you ordered to bed rest? Did the doctor check the cervix, water sac, and uterus? Did they take steps to avoid preterm labor? Did they give the steroids to your premature baby before preterm birth?

A note for expecting parents: The information presented here is intended to raise awareness of possible complications of pregnancy or negligence in your prenatal care. It is not a substitute for proper medical advice or medical advice, but we hope that it helps you ask the right questions and remain vigilant as your baby grows.

  • $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.
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    Contact Our Ohio Fetal Distress Lawyers

    Through medical records and lab results, depositions of nurses and doctors, and consultation with obstetric medicine specialists, The Becker Law Firm can evaluate your possible claim of prenatal care negligence.

    Contact us today at (440) 252-4399 for a free initial consultation.

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