Premature Delivery Injuries Attorney in Oregon
Helping
Discovering that you or a loved one is pregnant is one of life’s
greatest joys. Everyone dreams of having a healthy baby to welcome home
in nine months. However, every birth is different and some women may not
be able to carry their baby for the full 39 to 40 week gestation period.
Babies can be viable and survive outside of the womb at 24 weeks, but
oftentimes face considerable health challenges.
There are any number of reasons why a baby may be born prematurely, many
of which are unknown to medical professionals. What many doctors and nurses
do know is if a woman is at a greater risk for premature delivery and
the warning signs that may indicate a premature labor. They have a responsibility
to exercise extra care in these situations
At The Law Offices of Patrick L. Block, P.C., we take the care of women
and children seriously. Our Portland
birth injury lawyer fights for your rights during this difficult time. If your infant has
been harmed by an incompetent doctor, we can stand up for you.
Did my doctor cause a premature delivery?
One of the responsibilities of a doctor in their care of a pregnant woman
is to provide competent care throughout their pregnancy and the birth
of their child. Not all doctors will abide by this duty, and contribute
to a premature birth occurring to begin with or the inadequate care received
by a child following a premature delivery.
Some of the ways that a doctor can be held liable for medical malpractice is by:
- Failing to monitor the pregnant woman
- Ignoring the signs of preterm labor
- Taking appropriate steps to prevent premature labor
- Improper prescription of steroids to increase the development of the baby
- Avoiding the recommendation of bed rest
Doctors must take extra care for women that are pregnant with more than
one baby, have given birth prematurely to another child, have any kind
of genital, urinary tract, amniotic, or sexual infection, is experiencing
any negative health complications, or is experiencing a difficult pregnancy
for any reason.
How can a doctor prevent premature birth?
During pregnancy, any of the above warning signs can indicate a premature
delivery of a baby. Your doctor must take immediate actions to protect
your health and the well-being of your child. If a medical professional
has failed to act in an appropriate manner, they may find themselves facing
medical malpractice charges for their actions. Speaking with our Portland
medical malpractice lawyer can help you discuss your options.
Immediate care to stop premature labor or get the mother to a hospital
with adequate premature care provisions must be taken when:
- Contractions are less than 10 minutes apart
- Reduced movement of the baby in the womb
- Menstrual or abdominal cramping
- Vaginal discharge or bleeding
- Pressure in the pelvis
- Dull backache
Without this proper care, premature babies may face significant health
complications. Some injuries suffered by premature infants include
cerebral palsy and other developmental delays, loss of vision or hearing, digestive and
respiratory problems, or jaundice. With a competent medical professional
identifying the signs of premature labor and treating the mother as appropriate,
these complications may have been preventable.
A Portland Premature Birth Injury Lawyer Can Help!
Scheduling a
free case evaluation with our experienced attorney is at no cost to you, and
The Law Offices of Patrick L. Block, P.C. does not recover any compensation
unless we win your case. You have nothing to lose by speaking with us about your options and learning
about the damages you are entitled to because you have been injured as
a result of medical malpractice in Oregon.