Some Medical Mistakes Can Be Avoided, Says Brunswick Personal Injury Lawyer
Oct 4, 2012
Brunswick, GA (Law Firm Newswire) October 3, 2012 – According to a 2009 survey of the members of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, some 90 percent of actively practicing obstetrician-gynecologists reported that they faced one or more lawsuits during their medical careers.
OB/GYNs are some of the most frequently sued medical practioners. Even when expectant parents work with a well-recommended obstetrician and hospital to help provide care during the pregnancy and birth of their child, things can sometimes still go wrong, and medical mistakes can be made. Those medical mistakes may lead to a birth injury, bringing pain, suffering, and costly medical bills.
Two of the most common birth injuries, cerebral palsy and shoulder dystocia, can occur during a difficult delivery. Cerebral palsy can be caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain: the ensuing neurological impairment may lead to intellectual disabilities, seizure disorders, and/or muscular issues. Cerebral palsy is not reversible.
Shoulder dystocia can also result from a difficult delivery; it occurs when the infant cannot pass through the birth canal due to head and shoulder size or placement. Shoulder dystocia can cause a lack of oxygen to the brain, with ensuing difficulties, such as broken bones, nerve damage in the arms, and even paralysis.
“Though patients trust that they are in capable hands, there are times when medical mistakes happen,” said Nathan Williams, Brunswick personal injury attorney. “In some cases, cerebral palsy or shoulder dystocia could have been avoided, or complications reduced, if reasonable care was given. Complications can happen when a physician is not properly attentive before and during delivery.”
OB/GYNs are held to a high standard of care, and in order to determine the level of care taken when a birth injury occurs, the legal system will look to see if the physician’s actions were considered reasonably prudent for the circumstances. Doctor inattentiveness, or lack of appropriate response to distress with resulting harm, can mean possible liability. Additionally, the hospital may also be held responsible, if found to be liable for its employee’s actions.
Determining when liability applies and to whom it applies, and who may owe compensation to the family, can be complicated. To discuss a medical malpractice issue, contact The Williams Litigation Group.
Nathan Williams is a Brunswick personal injury lawyer, Brunswick divorce attorney, Brunswick criminal defense attorney and Brunswick DUI lawyer in Southeast Georgia. Visit http://www.thewilliamslitigationgroup.com or call 1.912.264.0848.
The Williams Litigation Group
5 St. Andrews Court
Brunswick, GA 31520
Phone: 912.264.0848
Toll Free: 877.307.4537
Fax: 912-264-6299
