When to Sue For Undiagnosed Prenatal Infections

Childbirth is supposed to be one of the most exciting and happy moments in any parent’s life. In order for this to be the case, it is imperative that both mother and child receive competent prenatal care. A lack in such care often results in undiagnosed prenatal infections. These infections can range from mild to severe. However, when they are quickly and appropriately diagnosed, the chances of a birth related injury are drastically reduced. If your baby suffers a birth injury after your doctor fails to diagnose a prenatal infection, it is likely the result of an unacceptable lapse in appropriate prenatal care, and you may be entitled to compensation.

How Do I Know if I Received Appropriate Prenatal Care?

There are many factors that define appropriate prenatal care. These include a range of lifestyle and dietary guidelines, as well as prenatal testing for both mother and child. At the first prenatal appointment, the doctor will generally ask about you and your family’s health history, do a complete physical exam, check your blood work, and answer any questions you may have. While some prenatal tests are recommended for all women, your age, health history, and blood results will determine what additional testing will be necessary throughout your pregnancy. Later prenatal visits will then mainly consist of routine testing for you and your baby to ensure all is going well for the duration of the pregnancy. It is important to give your healthcare provider a thorough account of you and your family’s health history, and any concerns you may have, to minimize your risk of prenatal infection. It is then the responsibility of your provider to ensure you receive the appropriate testing and care.

Proving negligence in prenatal care can be complicated, and it often takes an experienced team of medical experts and attorneys do so. That is why it is important to contact trusted birth injury attorneys if you suspect you, or your child, have suffered harm due to prenatal negligence.

Did a Failure to Diagnose Result in My Baby’s Birth Injury?

Prenatal infections come with a wide range of possible effects. If you believe you or your baby suffered due to failure to diagnose a prenatal infection, it is necessary to prove a direct link between the two. An example of this would be a woman with undiagnosed anemia who gives birth to an underweight baby. Without proper treatment, anemia is known to cause premature labor, low birth weight, and birth defects. In this instance, it is likely that a medical professional would be able to attest that the harm was a direct result of the doctor’s failure to diagnose anemia. Alternately, if a doctor failed to diagnose anemia, and the baby suffered a completely unrelated birth injury, then the doctor may not be accountable for that injury. The failure to diagnose a prenatal infection does not always lead to birth injury. This is why it is important to consult professionals when attempting to determine if there is a direct link.

The more common types of maternal infections to be aware of include: toxoplasmosis; rubella (also known as the German measles); Group B strep; syphilis; and Hepatitis B.

What Type of Compensation Should I Receive?

Undiagnosed prenatal infections can result in a variety of issues for both mother and child. The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity and duration of damages to you and/or your baby. Every case is unique, and as such there is no way to estimate exactly how much compensation you are entitled to. However, in the majority of birth injury cases you can expect to be compensated for the following:

• Doctor visits, hospital visits, and any medical treatment associated with the injury
• Medications
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Counseling and psychological services
• Home accommodations

Do You Suspect Your Baby Suffered Because of a Failure to Diagnose Your Prenatal Infection?

You are confused, angry, and probably even blaming yourself for the harm that your baby has suffered. At a time when you should be celebrating the birth of your child, you are instead struggling to pay for the care that your baby needs. It is time that you put your case into the capable hands at Ross Feller Casey. We have an outstanding record of success with cases involving undiagnosed prenatal infections, and an expert team that genuinely cares about getting you the justice that you and your family deserve. Call us to schedule your free consultation today.