Minneapolis Pitocin Error Lawyers
American biochemist Vincent du Vigneaud won the Nobel Prize in 1955 for his development of synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin, or Pit). This naturally-occurring hormone stimulates contractions during pre-labor. Back in the day, doctors typically used Pitocin to jumpstart stalled contractions. Because of the drug’s low cost and overall effectiveness, the World Health Organization recently called it one of the most essential medicines in the world. But these qualities give the medicine a dark side. Today, most physicians administer this drug as part of pre-scheduled labor inductions. However, the mother’s body is not always ready to give birth on a scheduled delivery day. More on that below.
Pitocin’s use has changed over the years. But the dedicated Minneapolis Pitocin error lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman have not changed their approach in these cases. Instead, we rely on old-fashioned values, like hard work and open communication. We promise our best effort, and our best attitude, every time we work on your case. Furthermore, we proactively communicate with our clients, so they are never in the dark. Because of our dedication, we are usually able to settle birth injury claims out of court and on victim-friendly terms.
Common Pitocin Errors
Before discussing Pitocin, it’s important to understand this portion of the labor and delivery process. Contractions move the baby down the mother’s birth canal. However, contractions also put considerable stress on the placenta (organ which nourishes the fetus). So, labor must be a carefully-balanced sequence of contractions and rest periods.
Pitocin usually disrupts that balance. Artificially-induced contractions are much stronger, and much closer together, than natural contractions. As a result, the stressed placenta cannot fully nourish the fetus.
Due to these risks, many British doctors no longer use Pitocin unless the mother is significantly post-term, has preeclampsia (high maternal blood pressure), or there is another life-threatening condition that necessitates immediate delivery.
For some reason, many doctors do not appreciate this contraction/rest balance and these Pitocin risks. Instead, if the mother’s contractions are not getting faster and harder, they usually increase the dose. As a result, the situation deteriorates. Making matters worse, many doctors issue standing orders to nurses in these situations. Doctors direct nurses to increase the Pit dose periodically, regardless of the circumstances. Frequently, doctors are not even at the hospital when nurses follow these instructions.
Incidentally, doctors cannot blame nurses or other medical staffers for labor and delivery problems. Doctors are solely responsible for patient health and safety issues.
Evidence in Birth Injury Claims
A Minneapolis Pitocin error lawyer can obtain compensation for economic and noneconomic losses if the victim/plaintiff proves negligence, or a lack of care, by a preponderance of the evidence, or more likely than not.
Medical records are usually the key bit of evidence in these claims. Medical testimony, usually from a medical expert, is essential as well. Experts usually testify as to the standard of care. Then, they explain how the doctor breached the standard of care without talking down to jurors.
Eyewitness testimony is usually valuable too. The witness need not have extensive medical knowledge. Instead, the witness must simply tell jurors what s/he saw.
A different standard of evidence applies to punitive damage matters. These additional damages are available if the victim/plaintiff proves, by clear and convincing evidence, that the defendant intentionally disregarded a known risk.
Reach Out to a Diligent Hennepin County Lawyer
Injury victims are usually entitled to significant compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced Pitocin error 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.
