Minnesota Umbilical Cord Strangulation
The umbilical cord plays a crucial role during pregnancy and the birthing process. The cord connects an unborn child to the important nutrients, oxygen, and blood in the mother’s system. The umbilical cord can become injured in a number of different ways, preventing it from delivering the important nutrients babies need. Umbilical cord strangulation is one of the most serious injuries and any pregnancy has the potential for this to occur.
Medical professionals must know how to identify the risk, and how to respond to it quickly so the child does not suffer unnecessary harm. If your child has suffered as a result of umbilical cord strangulation, a Minnesota birth injury lawyer can help you obtain the financial compensation your family is entitled to.
What is Umbilical Cord Strangulation?
Umbilical cord strangulation occurs as a result of a nuchal cord, which is when the cord completely wraps around the child’s neck. This strangulation is very dangerous to the child and in some cases, it is even fatal. Sadly, umbilical cord strangulation is extremely common. It occurs in 10 to 28 percent of all pregnancies in the United States. Due to the fact that so many children suffer from umbilical cord strangulation, a standard set of procedures has been developed and doctors must rely on this to correct the situation.
Remedying umbilical cord strangulation is sometimes a simple matter of slipping the cord over the baby’s head during the birthing process. Other times, the cord may have to be cut after the child’s head is through the birth canal, but before the shoulders pass through. In the most serious of cases, an emergency C-section may have to be ordered so the child can be delivered quickly and safely.
Determining Liability for Umbilical Cord Strangulation
When umbilical cord strangulation is a result of medical negligence, it is possible to hold negligent parties liable. Many people believe doctors are to blame for umbilical cord strangulation and in many cases, that is true. Doctors must know how to detect when a nuchal cord is present during pregnancy, such as using ultrasounds and asking the mother if she has felt any decrease in the child’s movement. During the birthing process, infants must also be carefully monitored to determine if the child’s heart rate or movement is slowing down.
Sometimes, the hospital in which the baby was born, or where the mother received treatment, can also be held liable. In rarer cases, a doctor may be considered an employee of the hospital and so, the facility can be held vicariously liable for their actions. However, hospitals can also be found liable when they do not outline proper procedures for identifying and remedying umbilical cord strangulation. In these cases, facilities can be held liable regardless of whether the doctor was an employee or not.
Our Birth Injury Lawyers in Minnesota Can Help You Claim Full Damages
If your child has been hurt due to umbilical cord strangulation, our Minnesota birth injury lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC, can help your family claim the full damages you deserve. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to obtain the sound legal advice you need.
