How Medical Malpractice Can Cause Preterm Birth — Plus Related Damages
Medical malpractice can lead to preterm delivery for expectant mothers. You deserve compensation for your damages if you undergo such an experience. Below are some of the ways medical professionals can trigger preterm birth, and the damages you may collect.
Contributions
Numerous things can lead to preterm birth. However, preterm birth only becomes medical malpractice if a medical professional or facility contributes to factors that lead to early delivery. Below are some ways a healthcare provider can cause or contribute to preterm birth.
Failing to Notice Risk Factors
Expectant mothers face different risks of preterm delivery. For example, you have a high risk of preterm delivery if:
- You previously gave birth prematurely
- You are expecting multiple babies
- You got pregnant shortly after your last delivery
- You are underweight or overweight
Your doctor should evaluate you and determine your level of risk. That way, the doctor can intervene appropriately to prevent preterm delivery. Any doctor who doesn't notice your risk factors might be guilty of medical malpractice.
Failing to Notice Warning Signs
Many people do not experience preterm delivery out of the blue. In many cases, warning signs develop before the delivery. For example, you should suspect imminent preterm delivery if:
- You start to experience frequent contractions
- You notice changes in your vaginal discharge
- You develop cramps
Your doctor should suspect preterm delivery once you inform them about your signs and symptoms. A doctor who doesn't correctly interpret the signs and symptoms as warning signs of preterm delivery might be guilty of medical malpractice.
Failing to Intervene or Improperly Intervening
Your doctor should not just notice your risk factors or warning signs. The doctor should take the relevant measures to deal with them. For example, your doctor may:
- Advise you on lifestyle and dietary changes to minimize your risks of preterm delivery
- Prescribe medications to eliminate premature labor that might lead to premature delivery
- Manage the conditions that have triggered the warning signs
Your doctor might be guilty of medical malpractice if they don't intervene, intervene too late, or execute the wrong interventions. For example, a doctor might make a mistake and give you injections that don't delay your premature labor.
Damages
Premature delivery can affect you and your baby's lives in several ways. You deserve compensation for all these effects. Below are some of the damages the defendant should compensate you for.
Medical Treatment
Preterm babies suffer various medical complications. For example, the child might suffer:
- Sensory problems, such as hearing or vision loss
- Developmental delays
- Digestive problems
The defendant should pay for these and other related medical problems. The child might also need longer hospital observation than full-term babies, and the defendant should shoulder these costs too.
Extra Child Care Costs
Preterm babies sometimes become delicate and require more care than full-term babies. You might have to pay more childcare costs than you would with a full-term baby. Include the costs in your demand letter to the defendant.
Lost Income
You might spend more time away from work to take care of your child than you would have otherwise. For example, a preterm child might spend some time in the hospital for supportive care. That means you might miss work or forgo your business projects for some time. Demand compensation for that lost income.
Pain and Suffering
Lastly, many parents experience psychological issues if their preterm babies develop medical complications. The extra effort of caring for your baby can also add to your distress. Thus, your compensation package should include pain and suffering damages.
The Law Office of Paul R. Bennett has over 15 years of legal experience, including medical malpractice experience. Contact us to review your preterm delivery or any other suspicion of medical malpractice. We will use our legal knowledge and experience to help you get the compensation you deserve.
