New Jersey Medical Malpractice Lawyers Report: Medical Malpractice Cases for Stillborn Children Arise After Physician Negligence
A medical mistake that occurs anytime during the pregnancy term can lead to the baby dying in the uterus, which is known as a stillbirth or “fetal death”. There are an unfortunate 6.2 stillbirths for every 1,000 live births in the United States. Doctors must consider several risk factors that contribute to the possibility of a stillbirth. Even a small error in the childbirth process can lead to a stillbirth and result in a medical malpractice claim.
The probable cause of death in stillborn cases can be determined over 75% of the time according to a 2008 study by the Stillborn Collaborative Research Network. The study found 29% of fetal deaths were caused by obstetric complications such as placental abruption, multiple gestation, or preterm birth. Placental disease and structural abnormalities accounted for 23% and 14% of stillbirths respectively.
Additional causes for fetal deaths include maternal or fetal infection, umbilical cord irregularities, hypertensive disorders, and other maternal medical conditions. Doctors should be aware of the risk factors that contribute to stillbirths including older maternal age, obesity, simultaneous medical conditions, smoking, and pregnancy complications. If a doctor can identify and control these risks, the stillbirth is often preventable.
Physician negligence that results in a stillbirth can be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. A medical malpractice lawsuit relies on proving negligence and showing actual harm was caused by the negligence. A doctor must provide treatment that meets the appropriate “medical standard of care” for your case. This standard of care can include providing safe facilities, identifying risk factors, identifying structural or umbilical cord abnormalities, and diagnosing a hypertensive disorder before birth. Failure to meet the applicable standard of care accompanied by physical or emotional harm is typically sufficient evidence for a medical malpractice complaint.
File a Stillbirth Lawsuit with New Jersey Medical Malpractice Lawyers of Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP
A stillbirth case involves numerous complex issues such as the standard of care the doctor should have provided. New Jersey medical malpractice lawyers at Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP are experienced and knowledgeable with regard to NJ medical malpractice cases and work with leading medical professionals to provide our clients with the strongest cases possible. If you wish to discuss a potential medical malpractice matter, our NJ medical mistakes lawyers are available to meet with you in one of our convenient office locations in Edison, Red Bank or Toms River, New Jersey. Call us now at 732-777-0100 or contact us online for a free consultation.
Eichen Crutchlow Zaslow, LLP has purposely remained small in size, because it is important to us that we get to know our clients and their needs. Larger NJ injury firms may churn out case after case, but that’s not how we operate. Partners Barry Eichen, William Crutchlow, and Daryl Zaslow have created a firm with the resources to handle complex litigation, and a team that takes your case personally.
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