San Antonio Hypoxia Lawyers

FIghting For Those Who Have Suffered Hypoxia During Birth in In Texas

Infant or fetal distress can easily lead to serious complications in a child's long-term development. Oxygen deprivation (hypoxia) is one way a child can experience distress that sometimes leads to life-altering disabilities and brain damage.

If hypoxia occurred before, during, or after delivery, you may have a medical malpractice claim. It all depends on how your doctor and medical care staff involved in the labor process responded to signs of complications.

At Maloney Law Group, P.L.L.C., we understand the complex nature of medical malpractice claims — particularly those involving birth injuries. Success in these cases requires knowledge of medical procedures, hospital safety protocols, the injuries themselves, and the legal processes that can make or break your case. Our San Antonio birth injury attorneys have what it takes to fight for justice on your behalf.

Comprehensive Legal Services for Families throughout Texas

Common Causes of Birth Hypoxia 

Common injuries may include:

• Delayed C-Sections: When medical professionals fail to promptly recognize signs of fetal distress and delay performing a cesarean section, it can deprive the baby of critical oxygen.
• Improper Use of Medical Equipment: Misuse of tools like forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery can compress the umbilical cord or cause other complications, restricting oxygen flow.
• Failure to Monitor Fetal Heart Rate: Monitoring the fetal heart rate during labor is crucial for identifying signs of distress. Ignoring or misinterpreting these signals can lead to preventable harm.
• Prolonged Labor: Extended labor can increase the risk of oxygen deprivation due to the physical strain placed on the baby and the umbilical cord.
• Umbilical Cord Complications: Conditions such as umbilical cord prolapse or a nuchal cord (when the cord wraps around the baby’s neck) can disrupt oxygen flow, especially if not promptly addressed.
• Placental Issues: Placental abruption or insufficient placental function can impede oxygen delivery to the baby, requiring swift medical intervention.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Birth Hypoxia Claim?

Damages may include:

Economic Damages

• Medical Expenses: The costs associated with treating birth hypoxia can be overwhelming. Families may recover compensation for past, current, and future medical expenses, which includes hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and ongoing care.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Many children affected by birth hypoxia require extensive physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. These treatments aim to improve mobility, communication, and overall quality of life.
• Assistive Devices and Modifications: The cost of assistive technologies such as wheelchairs, communication devices, and home modifications can also be included in a claim.
• Lost Wages: If parents or guardians must take time off work or reduce their working hours to care for their child, lost income can be recovered.

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and Suffering: Birth hypoxia can result in permanent disabilities, developmental delays, and ongoing pain for the child. Compensation may be awarded for the emotional and physical suffering endured by both the child and their family.
• Emotional Distress: Parents often experience profound emotional trauma as they navigate their child’s condition. Damages for emotional distress aim to address this impact.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Birth hypoxia can prevent a child from living a full and independent life. Compensation for this loss seeks to address the diminished quality of life caused by the injury.

Punitive Damages

In cases where the medical provider’s negligence was particularly egregious or reckless, the court may award punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the responsible party and deter similar misconduct in the future.

How We Handle Hypoxia Cases

If treated properly, babies can often recover from hypoxia without permanent disability. Medical advancements have made it possible for hypoxia to be identified quickly in many cases. However, failure to identify fetal distress is often the result of medical negligence.

Our San Antonio medical malpractice lawyers offer more than 30 years of experience helping injury victims recover the financial support they need and deserve after negligence or wrongdoing changed their lives. Your compensation should reflect the cost of medical treatments for injury and the long-term consequences of those injuries.