Minneapolis Birth Asphyxia Lawyer
Birth asphyxia is closely akin to birth hypoxia. Both terms refer to a lack of oxygen. Hypoxia normally means a lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain, a condition which can cause cerebral palsy and other brain injuries. Asphyxia is usually a more severe form of hypoxia. Additionally, asphyxia usually affects the air passageways or lungs, as opposed to the brain. Furthermore, asphyxia generally has few symptoms, especially among newborn babies. Without careful monitoring, the medical team might not know there is a problem until it is too late to do anything about it.
The experienced Minneapolis birth asphyxia lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman routinely handle these matters on a nationwide basis. So, we are familiar with the medical, legal, and other intricacies of these cases. As a result, we are able to quickly evaluate your case and determine your legal options. We plan our work, and then we work our plan. Over the years, we have developed proven methods in these matters. So, we are usually able to obtain results which exceed our clients’ expectations.
What Causes Birth Asphyxia?
Occasionally, pre-labor issues cause birth asphyxia. Certain medical conditions can lower the mother’s blood oxygen level. A slight dip could have a significant impact on a tiny newborn who is entirely dependent on the mother’s body for nutrients.
Generally, labor and delivery issues cause birth asphyxia. Some of the most common problems in Minnesota include:
- Premature placenta separation,
- Placenta prolapse (drop),
- Maternal or fetal infection,
- Preeclampsia (maternal high blood pressure),
- Premature infants whose lungs and airways are not fully developed,
- Blocked airway, and
- Fetal or maternal anemia (inadequate oxygen carrying capacity).
These specific things could cause birth asphyxia. In general, however, medical negligence causes birth asphyxia and other birth injuries. Usually, this negligence is a failure to appreciate risk, a failure to identify risk, and/or a failure to respond to risk.
Many birth asphyxia causes, such as anemia and preeclampsia, usually surface during prenatal visits. But many doctors dismiss these risks as “borderline” problems. They do not want to classify the mother as a high-risk pregnancy. During labor and delivery, the medical staff must closely and actively monitor mothers. Popping in every half-hour to check on their progress is insufficient. As for the response to an emergency, like many of us, doctors often make poor decisions under pressure. That’s especially true in this context. Many birth “assistance” measures do more harm than good.
Evidence in Medical Negligence Claims
In court, a Minneapolis birth asphyxia lawyer must prove negligence by a preponderance of the evidence, or more likely than not.
The evidence in a birth injury claim usually includes medical records, expert medical testimony, and eyewitness statements.
Medical records clearly show what actions the medical staff took, and what actions they did not take. These records also help establish the amount of damages in a case. Usually, expert medical testimony involves the standard of care. Typically, an expert reviews the medical and other evidence in a case and offers an opinion as to whether the medical staff’s conduct was acceptable under the law. Lay witnesses, like neighbors and family members, cannot testify about medical issues. But they can testify about the effects of these medical issues.
Contact a Dedicated Hennepin County Lawyer
Injury victims are usually entitled to significant compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced birth asphyxia lawyer in Minneapolis, contact Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman LLC by going online or calling 410-567-0800. We do not charge upfront legal fees in these matters.
