The birth of a child is supposed to be a joyous occasion but it can quickly become incredibly stressful if there is a maternal infection threatening the health of a mother or child. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our seasoned Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys understand the nuances of this area of law. We will meticulously examine the facts of your case and identify medical errors that may have led to your maternal infection.
One of the most common factors leading to birth injuries or defects is maternal infection. A maternal infection is an infection acquired by the mother who then transmits the infection to the fetus. The infection can be transmitted in one of two ways: through the placenta prior to the birth or through the birth canal during labor and delivery when the baby is exposed to maternal blood. Untreated maternal infection can cause miscarriage and birth defects. Common examples of maternal infections include, but are not limited to:
- Tocoplasmosis;
- Choriomnionitis;
- Urinary tract infections;
- Group B streptococcus;
- Hepatitis B;
- HIV;
- Rubella.
These infections can lead to serious complications, such as meningitis, hypoxia, cerebral palsy, learning disabilities, seizures and difficulty with sight, hearing and motor skills. Due to the risk of harm that infections pose, women should be tested for certain infections during pregnancy. If they test positive, the doctor should recommend a treatment plan. Most infections, once diagnosed, quickly can be treated with relatively low risk of further complication.
Failing to properly identify or treat a maternal infection can form the basis of a medical malpractice claim if it led to preventable harm. Medical malpractice occurs when medical professional causes patient injury or death by breaching the duty owed to that patient by failing to meet the appropriate standard of care. Put another way, the central question in a medical malpractice case is: did the medical professional fail to act the way in which a reasonably competent medical professional in the same specialty would have acted in the same situation? If the answer is yes, the next question becomes: was the medical professional’s conduct a direct cause of the patient’s harm? If yes, the medical professional will likely be liable for malpractice.
There are complex rules pertaining to the time frames in which medical malpractice claims can be filed in New York. As such, is it critical to reach out to an experienced medical malpractice attorney who understands the legal deadlines in your case.
Pregnancy is a vulnerable time for both the mother and child. Untreated maternal infections can lead to permanent injury. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers, our Syracuse birth injury attorneys are committed to helping patients obtain maximum compensation after a maternal infection arises as a result of negligence. With extensive experience, we understand how to build strong cases and hold negligent medical professional accountable. Time is of the essence in these cases, so it vital to act as quickly as possible. For more information, call us at 833-200-2000 or contact us online.
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Umbilical Cord Issues and Medical Malpractice in Syracuse, Syracuse Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, July 5, 2018
Syracuse Vaccine Injuries, Syracuse Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, June 29, 2018