
Bringing a child into the world is one of life’s greatest joys, but when medical negligence results in catastrophic birth injuries, that joy can quickly turn into heartbreak. These devastating injuries can leave a lasting impact on both the child and their family.
At Poulos & Coates, we understand how overwhelming this experience can be. With over 100 years of combined experience and a dedicated team that includes a medical doctor and nurses, we are here to help you determine whether you have a case and fight for the justice you deserve.
What Are Catastrophic Birth Injuries?
Catastrophic birth injuries refer to severe injuries sustained by a baby during labor or delivery due to medical negligence. These injuries often result in long-term or permanent disability, requiring lifelong care and support. Examples include:
- Cerebral palsy,
- Brachial plexus injuries (Erb’s palsy),
- Brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation (hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy or HIE),
- Spinal cord injuries, and
- Skull fractures or other traumatic injuries.
These injuries can drastically alter a family’s life, bringing emotional, physical, and financial challenges. Understanding the nature of these injuries is the first step in seeking justice.
How Does Medical Negligence at Birth Cause Catastrophic Birth Injuries?
Medical negligence at birth occurs when a healthcare provider’s actions or inactions fail to meet the accepted standard of care, leading to harm. Some common examples of medical negligence that result in birth injuries include:
1. Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress
When a baby shows signs of distress, such as abnormal heart rate patterns, healthcare providers must act swiftly to prevent complications. Failing to monitor or address these signs can lead to oxygen deprivation, resulting in catastrophic birth injuries like brain damage or cerebral palsy. Proper fetal monitoring is essential for ensuring the baby’s safety.
2. Improper Use of Delivery Tools
Forceps or vacuum extractors are sometimes needed during delivery, but improper use can cause traumatic injuries, including skull fractures, nerve damage, or brain injury. These tools require skill and precision, and misuse can have devastating consequences for the baby and the family.
3. Delayed or Improper C-Section
When complications arise during labor, a cesarean section may be necessary. Delaying or improperly performing a C-section can lead to serious consequences, such as oxygen deprivation or physical trauma to the baby. Timely decision-making in these scenarios is critical to avoid harm.
4. Medication Errors
Errors in administering labor-inducing drugs like Pitocin or improper anesthesia management can result in harm to both the baby and the mother. These mistakes can cause prolonged labor or excessive stress on the baby, increasing the risk of injury.
5. Failure to Address Maternal Conditions
Conditions such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or infections in the mother can pose risks to the baby if not properly managed. Ignoring or mismanaging these conditions can lead to preventable injuries, highlighting the importance of attentive prenatal and delivery care.
Each of these scenarios underscores the devastating consequences that can result from lapses in medical care during birth.
How Do You Know If You Have a Case?
Determining whether you have a case for medical negligence birth injuries can be complex. At Poulos & Coates, we utilize our extensive experience and medical expertise to evaluate your situation. Factors that we consider include:
- Did the healthcare provider deviate from the standard of care?
- Did this deviation directly cause the injury?
- What is the extent of the injury and its impact on your child’s life?
Before pursuing legal action, gathering medical records and other documentation supporting your claim is important. Our team, which includes a medical doctor and nurses, works closely with experts to investigate and build a compelling case. New Mexico law sets specific time limits for filing a medical malpractice claim, so it is crucial to act quickly.
Role of a New Mexico Birth Injury Lawyer
When facing the aftermath of medical negligence at birth, having competent legal representation is essential. A skilled attorney can help navigate the complexities of the legal process, ensuring that your family’s rights are protected. At Poulos & Coates, we bring unique qualifications to the table:
- Medical expertise. Our team includes a medical doctor and nurses to evaluate your case and work with expert witnesses.
- Trial experience. We are in the courtroom almost every day, fighting for justice on behalf of our clients.
- Compassionate representation. We understand the emotional and financial toll that catastrophic birth injuries take on families, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
By partnering with a dedicated legal team, you can focus on your family’s needs while we handle the complexities of your case. Whether gathering evidence, consulting with experts, or negotiating with insurance companies, we are committed to achieving the best outcome for you and your child. Our priority is to alleviate your burden and help you move forward with confidence.
Why Choose Poulos & Coates?
Choosing the right legal team can make all the difference in your case. Poulos & Coates is the only New Mexico law firm specializing in medical malpractice litigation with the medical expertise to thoroughly assess and pursue your claim. We have secured over half a billion dollars in recoveries for our clients and are committed to delivering the best representation possible.
Our dedication to excellence, combined with our deep understanding of medical malpractice law, ensures that we provide the best possible advocacy for our clients.
Moving Forward After Catastrophic Birth Injuries
Catastrophic birth injuries can be life-changing, but you don’t have to face this journey alone. If you believe your child’s injury was caused by medical negligence, contacting a New Mexico birth injury lawyer is the first step toward seeking justice. At Poulos & Coates, we provide compassionate and skilled representation to families affected by medical negligence.
We are here to guide you through the legal process, answer your questions, and fight for the compensation your family deserves. Let us help you take the next steps toward securing justice and a better future for your child. For a free consultation, contact Poulos & Coates today by calling us at 575-708-6365 or filling out or online form.