When medical professionals fail to respond to warning signs of fetal distress during labor, both the mother and baby face serious risks. A Charleston, West Virginia failure to monitor fetal distress attorney helps families hold negligent providers accountable and pursue the compensation they deserve.
How Negligence Leads to Fetal Distress Injuries
Fetal distress refers to signs that a baby is not receiving enough oxygen during pregnancy or delivery. Healthcare providers must constantly monitor the fetus as it is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention to prevent brain damage, organ injury, or death. Negligence occurs when a doctor, nurse, or hospital staff member fails to follow established medical standards, leading to preventable injury. Examples of negligence include:
- Failing to use continuous fetal heart rate monitoring.
- Ignoring or misinterpreting abnormal readings.
- Delaying necessary emergency procedures such as a cesarean section.
- Failing to administer oxygen or fluids to stabilize the mother or baby.
- Inadequate staffing or poor communication between medical professionals.
When a provider overlooks or dismisses clear signs of fetal distress, the consequences can include oxygen deprivation, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), cerebral palsy, seizures, developmental delays, or even death.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress
Parties that may be held liable include:
- Obstetricians: For failing to monitor fetal heart rate patterns or delaying emergency interventions.
- Labor and Delivery Nurses: For neglecting to report abnormalities or properly document fetal distress.
- Hospitals and Clinics: For inadequate staffing, poor communication, or failure to follow labor and delivery protocols.
- Medical Technicians or Midwives: For failing to escalate concerns or follow accepted medical standards.
Determining who is responsible requires a thorough review of medical records, fetal monitoring strips, and expert analysis.
Types of Compensation Available
Families affected by medical negligence may recover compensation for both financial and emotional losses. Recoverable damages can include:
- Medical Expenses: Costs for hospitalization, surgeries, medication, and therapy.
- Future Medical Care: Long-term treatment, assistive devices, and home modifications.
- Lost Wages: For parents who must leave work to care for their child.
- Pain and Suffering: For the physical and emotional harm endured by the child and family.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If the child’s injuries prevent future employment.
A successful claim can help ensure the child receives the care and support needed for a better quality of life.
Why Hire a Charleston Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress Attorney
Medical malpractice cases involving fetal distress are complex and require a detailed understanding of both medical procedures and legal standards. An experienced Charleston attorney can:
- Analyze medical records and fetal monitoring data.
- Work with obstetric and neonatal experts to establish negligence.
- Calculate long-term care and treatment costs.
- Negotiate with hospitals and insurers or take the case to trial if necessary.
Strong legal representation helps families ensure they have the highest possible chance of securing justice and financial stability for their child’s future.
Contact a Charleston Birth Injury Attorney Today
If your child suffered harm because medical professionals failed to monitor or respond to signs of fetal distress, a skilled and trusted Charleston, WV Birth Injury attorney can investigate your case, determine liability, and fight for full compensation. Contact Tiano O’Dell PLLC at (304) 720-6700 or message us online to schedule a free consultation.
