If you or a loved one has suffered a serious or permanent injury at the hands of a negligent health care provider engaged in medical malpractice, contact medical malpractice attorney H Lee Thompson for a free consultation. Attorney H Lee Thompson has extensive experience litigating cases involving surgical errors and other medical malpractice. Medical malpractice attorney H Lee Thompson will fight to protect your rights.

PATIENT’S RIGHTS

Birth injury attorney H Lee Thompson is experienced in various types of birth injury litigation. From 1995 to 1997, he served as an executive board member of the Birth Trauma Litigation counsel of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America’s Medical Negligence Litigation Group. In 2000, H Lee Thompson acted as chairman of the Professional Negligence Section of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Attorney Thompson has also lectured and presented for the Association of Trial Lawyers of America.
Attorney H Lee Thompson is affiliated with the American College of Legal Medicine, the Medical Negligence Exchange Group, the Ohio Association of Trial Lawyers Board of Trustees, the Ohio Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the National Bar Association, the American Board of Forensic Examiners, American Association for Justice, the American Trial Lawyers Association, the National Association of Consumer Advocates, and is a lifetime member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Birth injury attorney H Lee Thompson has extensive experience assisting clients whose loved one suffered a birth injury and can offer legal guidance you can trust.

The following are examples of birth injuries:

• BIRTH INJURY AND OBSTETRICAL NEGLIGENCE

  • If your child has suffered a birth injury, our firm can help. We will perform a thorough investigation to determine whether the injury is a result of medical negligence. While proving medical negligence can be a difficult task, Attorney H Lee Thompson and his team of legal professionals at The Thompson Law Firm have the necessary resources and experience to obtain the best possible results for your case.
    Birth injury cases are often complex, as are Ohio state laws governing this type of litigation. If your child suffers from a birth condition caused by medical negligence, you need an attorney on your side. Attorney H Lee Thompson is familiar with birth injury law and understands the complexities of various birth injuries, as well as the strain such injuries place on families.
    It is important to realize, however, that while birth injuries may be attributed to medical negligence, they may also be the result of complications that occur during pregnancy or delivery. For this reason, it is important for a birth injury lawyer to investigate your claim carefully to determine the cause of a birth injury.
    There are several types of birth injuries, discussed in detail below. Quite possibly the most serious of these injuries are those that affect the brain and result in irreversible brain damage, such as cerebral palsy or Erb’s palsy. Both of these injuries are caused at the time of birth or soon thereafter and usually result from medical negligence.
    If you have a child who has suffered from a birth injury such as Erb’s palsy or cerebral palsy, you need an attorney like H Lee Thompson on your side. He has the skills to provide unsurpassed legal representation for your birth injury case.

• CEREBRAL PALSY

  • Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition caused by damage to the brain during pregnancy, labor, or the period shortly following birth. Cerebral palsy results in movement and posture difficulties. Cerebral palsy is not a disease that gets worse as time goes on or a sickness that can spread to others. If your loved one is a victim of cerebral palsy, contact The Thompson Law Firm today, and H Lee Thompson can advise you of your legal options and may be able to help you gain compensation for medical bills and other costs associated with cerebral palsy.

    When an individual suffers from cerebral palsy, they are unable to completely control motor function. The severity of the condition is contingent upon which the injured part of the brain.

    The following disorders associated with cerebral palsy can occur:

    • Spasms and seizures
    • Involuntary movement
    • Increased or decreased muscle tone
    • Disturbance in gait and mobility
    • Impairment of sight, hearing, and speech
    • Mental retardation
    • Abnormal sensation and perception

    THE SYMPTOMS OF CEREBRAL PALSY

    Signs of cerebral palsy vary from person to person. Cerebral palsy symptoms appear early in life. They may not be obvious at first. Eventually, a parent or healthcare provider may notice signs such as:

    • Extreme muscle stiffness
    • Very relaxed muscles
    • Difficulty feeding, sucking, or swallowing
    • Difficulty moving arms and legs
    • Delay in reaching milestones such as sitting up or crawling
    • Difficulty speaking

    Other conditions often appear with cerebral palsy, such as:

    • Seizures
    • Communication problems
    • Hearing loss
    • Mental retardation
    • Vision loss
    • Joint problems or “contracture” (shortening of muscles and other tissues)
    • Respiratory problems
    • Dental problems
    • Vision loss

    CAUSES OF CEREBRAL PALSY

    There are several possible causes for cerebral palsy that include defective development, premature birth, a blood type incompatibility between parents, a viral disease, injury, trauma, or a lack of oxygen to the brain. Most causes of cerebral palsy are related to the childbearing process and, since the condition is not inherited, it is often called congenital cerebral palsy. These cerebral palsy cases are often complex because it must be proven that medical malpractice was ultimately the cause of the condition. A less common type is acquired cerebral palsy, typically caused by a head injury and usually the result of motor vehicle collisions, falls, or child abuse.

    If your child was unable to get enough oxygen during delivery or soon after birth as a result of medical negligence, contact birth injury expert at The Thompson Law Firm today. Attorney H Lee Thompson has extensive experience in birth injury law and he understands the complexities of cerebral palsy and other birth injury cases. He and his professional legal team have the resources and skills necessary to gather any information and medical reports that may help prove your case.

    ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CEREBRAL PALSY?

    There are three main types of cerebral palsy: spastic (characterized by stiff and difficult movement), athetoid (characterized by involuntary and uncontrolled movement), and ataxic (characterized by a disturbed sense of balance and depth perception). A child with spastic cerebral palsy cannot relax his or her muscles, and/or the muscles will be stiff. There may be a mixture of these types in an individual. The most common type of cerebral palsy is spastic, although the other types do occur infrequently.

    HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE CEREBRAL PALSY?

    It is estimated that some 500,000 to 700,000 children and adults in the United States manifest one or more symptoms of cerebral palsy. With the current low birth rate in the United States and a real reduction in the occurrence of congenital cerebral palsy, there are fewer children being born with this condition. Thus, it is roughly estimated that currently about 3,000 infants are born with the condition each year and some 500 pre-school age children acquire cerebral palsy annually.

    CAN CEREBRAL PALSY BE PREVENTED?

    Yes, measures of prevention are becoming increasingly possible today. Pregnant women are tested routinely for the Rh factor, and, if Rh negative, they can be immunized within 72 hours after the pregnancy terminates and prevent adverse consequences of blood incompatibility in a subsequent pregnancy. If the woman has not been immunized, the consequences of blood incompatibility in the newborn can be prevented by exchange transfusion in the baby. If a newborn baby has jaundice, this can be treated effectively by phototherapy in the hospital nursery. The increased use of neonatal intensive care units, particularly for high risk infants, has helped to decrease the occurrence of cerebral palsy. Other preventative programs are directed toward reducing exposure of pregnant women to viral and other infections, unnecessary exposure to X-rays, drugs and medications, and the control of diabetes, anemia and other nutritional deficiencies. Of great importance is optimal well-being prior to conception, adequate prenatal care, and protecting children from accidents or injury.

    WHO BEARS THE COST?

    United Cerebral Palsy raises and spends more than $300,000,000 annually in program services, community services, professional education and training, public health education, research, medical education grants, and supporting services. The total estimated annual cost of care for those with cerebral palsy far exceeds that figure through local, state, and federal government expenditures, as well as assistance provided by non-profit organizations under United Cerebral Palsy. By reducing the incidence of cerebral palsy and continuing to mainstream individuals with the disorder into productive jobs that enable them to be independent, we can decrease the amount of funding needed, thereby lessening the impact cerebral palsy has on the U.S. economy.

    CAN CEREBRAL PALSY BE TREATED?

    “Management” is a better word than “treatment.” Management consists of helping the child achieve maximum potential in growth and development. This should be started as early as possible, with identification of the very young child who may have developmental disorders. A management program can then be started promptly, to include attention to the child’s movement, learning, speech, hearing, social, and emotional development. Such programs utilize physicians, therapists, educators, nurses, social workers, and other professionals to assist the family, as well as the child. Certain medications, surgery, and braces are sometimes used to improve nerve and muscle coordination or to prevent and correct deformity.
    As the child grows, he or she may require support services, such as attendant care, continuing therapy, special education, vocational training, living accommodations, counseling, transportation, recreation/leisure programs, and employment opportunities, all essential to the developing adult. Most of all, people with cerebral palsy need the opportunity to live normally in our society.

    Specialized equipment can help a person with cerebral palsy develop to his or her fullest. For example, this “assistive technology” can improve:

    • Communication - a person with cerebral palsy may benefit from:
    • Picture boards that let the person communicate by pointing at illustrations or symbols
    • Speech synthesizers that change text into an electronic voice
    • Word processors to help develop writing skills
    • Learning - among the many learning aids available to people with cerebral palsy are:
    • Special computers for those who can’t use keyboards
    • Tape recorders for note-taking
    • Calculators for developing math skills
    • Mobility - a person with cerebral palsy may need help moving around efficiently, using:
    • Power or manual wheelchairs
    • Walkers and crutches
    • Ramps
    • Lifts

    If your child suffers from cerebral palsy due to medical negligence that resulted in brain damage, contact the brain injury experts at The Thompson Law Firm for a free consultation so that we can take immediate action and investigate your claim.

    ERB’S PALSY

    Brachial plexus palsy (BPP) is also known as Erb’s palsy or brachial plexus injury (BPI). The brachial plexus is a group of nerves that control the fingers, hand, wrist, elbow, arm, and shoulder. Stretching, tearing, or other trauma can cause this type of injury, resulting in full to partial paralysis of one or both arms.
    If your newborn’s arm is notably weak or completely paralyzed, your child may have Erb’s palsy. The cause of this injury is usually the stretching of one or both sides of the neck during a difficult delivery. Nerves that are stretched result in more minor brachial plexus injuries, but if the muscles are torn or pulled out of its socket, injuries may be more serious and surgery may be required to restore function of the muscles.

    Erb’s palsy can occur during the birthing process if the infant was pulled or contorted by medical staff during delivery. However, it can also be caused by a range of accidents. If your loved one has suffered a brachial plexus injury, contact The Thompson Law Firm today. Attorney H Lee Thompson has experience litigating Erb’s palsy cases and may be able to help you seek compensation.

    Risk factors for Erb’s palsy (without occurrence of shoulder dystocia)

    • Uterine tumors
    • Tumors in the neck of the baby
    • Viral disease
    • Other abnormalities
    • Breech fetal position at time of birth

    THE FIRST WEEKS OF LIFE

    During the first few weeks of life, handle your baby’s neck and arm carefully. Be aware of the positioning of your baby’s arm, especially when you lift or carry him or her. Family, friends, and caretakers will need to be taught that pulling or lifting by the arm can cause further injury and pain.

    DOCTORS AND THERAPISTS

    One of the first steps you may wish to consider is to make an appointment with a pediatric neurologist experienced in brachial plexus injuries to define the nature of your child’s injuries and whether there are any further complications. Schedule an appointment with a physical or occupational therapist to learn how to do range of motion (ROM) exercises with each diaper change to keep your child’s joints from becoming stiff. A regular schedule of therapy will also begin at this time. It is best to select a therapist who has thorough knowledge of brachial plexus injuries and is experience in making splints.

    There are a number of specialists who treat the victims of brachial plexus injuries and Erb’s palsy. It is important to research and choose your doctor based on their experience and credentials because it is the doctor’s evaluation of your child’s movements that will determine the severity of their injury. Attorney H Lee Thompson, can advise you of your legal options no matter how severe the injuries. Contact The Thompson Law Firm today for a free evaluation of your Erb’s palsy case.

    TIMEFRAME FOR RECOVERY

    The timeframe for surgical repair is a very important factor for recovery. Within 12 to 18 months of the injury, the muscles that have not already been innervated will have atrophied to the point where innervation is no longer possible.

    It is important to contact a pediatric brachial plexus or Erb’s palsy specialist as early as possible so that appointments can be scheduled. Wait lists are common at larger clinics.
    The neurosurgical techniques most often used to repair a severe injury are exploration of the brachial plexus nerves; testing the nerves to see if the brain is receiving messages from them (EMG); removal of the scar tissue that has formed around the nerve (neuroma); and, if necessary, nerve grafting. This first surgery called “primary surgery” is done between the ages of six weeks and 12 months depending on the protocol of the clinic you choose and the severity of the injury.

    The timeframe for filing a lawsuit in Ohio for Erb’s palsy cases is typically two years. A lawyer can advise you whether your Erb’s palsy case is still valid.

    HANDLING MEDICAL COSTS

    Contact your health insurance company to see if they have a program for children with special needs. Your state may have programs that will give your child access to free or low cost in-home therapies. In some states, it is called Early Intervention (EI) and covers children from birth to three years of age. Medicaid programs may give you an option for free or low cost secondary insurance.

    Your health insurance may cover travel to out-of-state clinics. If not, free or discounted medical airfare is available from many airlines.

    EMOTIONAL SUPPORT

    Emotions will be strong during the first few years of your child’s life. The best support can come from a counselor who is experienced at the issues of having a special needs child and from other families who have had similar experiences. A local support group can be very helpful for the entire family. Also, there are some very good Erb’s palsy websites to visit to gain information and support. Anger, sadness, and grief are normal and important emotions.

    If your child suffers from Erb’s palsy due to medical negligence, contact The Thompson Law Firm today for a free consultation. You need a brain injury attorney, like H Lee Thompson, on your side to protect the rights of you and your child and to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

    Possible Delivery Emergencies During Pregnancy

    LATE DECELERATIONS AND BRADYCARDIA

    Abnormally low fetal heart rate (FHR) tracing in labor can signal problems with the fetus prior to delivery. Late decelerations are defined as a prolonged slowing of the FHR after a uterine contraction. Fetal bradycardia is defined as a prolonged slowing of the FHR not necessarily associated with uterine contractions. Fetal bradycardia episodes are sometimes referred to as FHR decelerations. Often, the FHR is closely monitored for abnormalities. Although there are some types of FHR decelerations that are normal during labor, there are some that alert fetal stress and require further investigation. Sometimes the FHR will slow down and remain down and not return to its usual level. This is a threatening condition that demands immediate delivery by Caesarean section. Parents should schedule a consultation with an experienced birth injury lawyer to review medical records whenever a baby suffers permanent brain injury as a result of late decelerations or bradycardia during labor.

• PREMATURITY

  • Prematurity is defined as the birth of an infant prior to the baby reaching the 37th week of gestation. One out of eight babies in the United States is born prematurely. Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death. The following conditions in expectant mothers carry an increased risk of premature delivery and require careful monitoring during pregnancy:

    • Expectant mothers who previously gave premature birth.
    • Expectant mothers who are expecting twins or more.
    • Expectant mothers who are experiencing pre-term labor in current pregnancy.
    • Expectant mothers who previously had a pregnancy loss in the second trimester, between 13 and 23 weeks.
    • Expectant mothers with an abnormality of the uterus; e.g., a heart-shaped uterus.
    • Expectant mothers with an abnormality of the cervix; women at risk include those who have received a diagnosis of incompetent cervix, who have a history of surgery to their cervix, or who have a cervix that is found to be short when examined.
    • Expectant mothers who were exposed to the drug DEG when their mothers were pregnant with them.
    • Infants born with a low birth weight may require months of care in a neonatal intensive care unit. They may also be severely handicapped. Parents should consult an experienced birth injury attorney to review medical records if they believe that the premature birth was preventable.

    Contact birth injury attorney H Lee Thompson at The Thompson Law Firm today if you suspect your child suffered injuries as a result of negligence.

• EMERGENCY CAESARIAN SECTION

  • A caesarian section is a procedure that involves surgical delivery of the baby through the abdomen. An estimated one out of every five births in the United States is performed via caesarian section. An emergency Caesarean would be performed if minutes remained before the threat of loss of life or damage became imminent. Events that can result in an emergency caesarian section include fetal distress, placenta previa, cephalopelvic disproportion (the baby is too large for the birth canal), failure to progress, genital herpes, multiple gestation, placental abruption, breech baby, excessive scarring from previous surgeries, placental insufficiency, and active preeclampsia. Most women are required to stay in the hospital for about four days after an emergency caesarian section. The birth rate of mothers who undergo a caesarian section is about three times higher than the death rate associated with a natural delivery. Parents should schedule a consultation with an experienced birth injury lawyer to review medical records whenever a baby and/or mother suffers a permanent injury as a result of emergency C-section delivery.

• RUPTURED UTERUS

  • Uterine rupture usually does not occur during the initial pregnancy. However, when a vaginal birth is planned after a caesarean section, it increases the likelihood of the uterus being ruptured. Uterine rupture is a tearing of the uterine tissue, which can cause fetal bradycardia and maternal hemorrhage. Usually, an emergency C-section is required.

• FAILURE TO PROGRESS AND DYSTOCIA

  • Failure to progress is defined as the fetal head being halted during the progression through the birth canal. Dystocia is defined as a difficult, slow progression of delivery. Dystocia is derived from the Greek words dys meaning difficult, painful, and abnormal, and tokos, meaning birth. The following are potential conditions that may cause slow progression of delivery or parturition:

    • Uterine contractions may not be strong or coordinated enough to expand the cervix and during the second stage of labor, voluntary muscles may push inadequately
    • The fetus may be lined up improperly to allow passage through the birth canal in addition to other complications with the fetus that can delay passage
    • The maternal bony pelvis may be too narrow to allow the baby to progress through the birth canal
    • The birth canal may have abnormalities that can obstruct fetal descent

    If this condition lingers, the mother and baby can be in danger. The obstetrician may recommend delivery by C-section, forceps, emergency vacuum extraction, or other means.

• EMERGENCY FORCEPS DELIVERY

  • Obstetric forceps are surgical instruments designed to grasp the fetal head to assist the birth of a child. Emergency forceps delivery is considered to be an operative delivery, due to the fact that surgical instruments are used. Obstetric forceps usage is declining, because obstetricians do not receive lengthy forceps delivery training during their residencies. Parents should schedule a consultation with an experienced birth injury lawyer to review the medical records whenever a baby suffers a permanent injury as a result of forceps delivery.

• EMERGENCY VACUUM EXTRACTION

  • Emergency vacuum extraction is defined as the removal of the fetus from the uterus or vagina at or near the end of pregnancy with a metal traction cup that is attached to the fetus’s head. Negative pressure is applied and traction is made on a chain passed through the suction tube. This is considered to be an operative delivery. Improper usage of the vacuum extractor can result in injury to the infant, causing intracranial hemorrhage. Parents should schedule a consultation with an experienced birth injury lawyer to review medical records whenever a baby suffers permanent injury as a result of emergency vacuum extraction.

• ECLAMPSIA

  • Eclampsia is defined as convulsions, seizures, and coma occurring in a pregnant or puerperal woman, associated with preeclampsia; i.e., with hypertension, edema, and/or proteinuria. There is no way of detecting which women with preeclampsia will suffer eclampsia. There are currently no preventative measures, although it is important for expectant mothers to have early and continuing prenatal care. Women who have suffered permanent mental or physical injury from eclampsia should schedule a consultation with an experienced birth injury attorney to review her medical records.

• SHOULDER DYSTOCIA

  • Shoulder dystocia occurs during birth when the shoulder of the fetus becomes trapped behind the top of the maternal pelvis (symphysis pubis), thus preventing delivery of the infant. It is defined by most obstetricians as any birth in which gentle downward traction of the fetal head fails to accomplish delivery. This condition cannot always be prevented and usually goes unnoticed until after the infant head has been delivered. When this condition occurs, the obstetrician must take immediate action. Obstetricians should be knowledgeable as to how to handle this emergency condition.

    Although shoulder dystocia cannot always be prevented, the following are conditions that can cause the condition:

    • Lengthy second stage of labor
    • History of shoulders dystocia
    • Large prior birth infant
    • Large baby in current pregnancy over 8 lb 14 oz
    • Short maternal stature
    • Maternal weight gain (above 35 lb)
    • Baby overdue (40 weeks)
    • Maternal obesity
    • Gestational diabetes
    • Maternal diabetes
    • Short first stage of labor
    • Contracted/flat maternal pelvis

    Recognizing the conditions is the initial step in becoming knowledgeable about how to handle shoulder dystocia. After shoulder dystocia has been diagnosed, there are procedures that the obstetrician should perform:

    • Obstetrician should immediately request help because the shoulder dystocia may not be easy to take care of
    • Application of suprapubic pressure can sometimes bring the anterior shoulder into and through the pelvis
    • Intentional fracturing of the clavicle to reduce the diameter of the shoulders
    • Pushing the fetal head back up into the uterus by using the Cephalic replacement or Zavanelli maneuver
    • Delivery of the posterior arm
    • Utilizing the Woods (or corkscrew) maneuver, which involves pushing the posterior shoulder through a 180-degree clockwise and/or counterclockwise arc
    • Utilizing the McRobert’s maneuver which is the hyperflexion of the mother’s thighs onto her abdomen

    Fractures of the clavicle or humorous, brachial plexus or other nerve injuries, asphyxia, and death are some of the fetal complications associated with shoulder dystocia. If your infant suffers a permanent injury related to shoulder dystocia, contact The Thompson Law Firm today for a free consultation and review of medical records.

• PLACENTAL ABRUPTION

  • Placental abruption is a third trimester complication that results from the hemorrhage and accumulation of blood between the placenta and the wall of the uterus. This inevitably interferes with fetal oxygenation and often necessitates emergency C-section. It is also known as abruptio placenta, which is the premature separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus. Placental abruption can be life threatening for both the expectant mother and infant if the bleeding is severe and necessary medical attention is delayed. With expedient and proper medical care, both the expectant mother and infant can fully recover. Women and infants who have suffered permanent injury as a result of placental abruption should schedule a consultation with an experienced birth injury lawyer to review their medical records.

• PLACENTAL INSUFFICIENCY

  • Placental insufficiency is defined as failure of the placenta to deliver an adequate supply of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus and remove toxic wastes. The earlier the condition occurs in the pregnancy, the more severe it will become during the course of the pregnancy, possibly leading to intrauterine growth restriction. Pregnancy ultrasounds can be utilized to monitor the growth of the fetus and placenta. It is imperative that this condition is diagnosed early in the pregnancy, to prevent serious long-term side effects and decrease the risk for neurological and intellectual impairments such as cerebral palsy and seizures. Parents should schedule a consultation with an experienced birth injury lawyer whenever an infant suffers a permanent brain injury from placental insufficiency.

• POSTMATURITY

  • Postmaturity is gestation extending 43 weeks or longer, which is considered high risk and is sometimes associated with fetal dysmaturity. The normal length of pregnancy is 37 to 41 weeks. Usually obstetricians induce labor or perform a caesarean section. This condition creates a high risk for placental insufficiency and fetal wasting.

    The following conditions are a concern:

    • If the baby is large, problems can occur
    • Meconium aspiration - when an infant breathes in fluid containing the first stool
    • Increased risks during labor and birth for a fetus with poor oxygen supply
    • Amniotic fluid volume may decrease; the fetus may stop gaining weight and could actually lose weight
    • Infant can become hypoglycemic due to having few glucose-producing stores
    • Overgrowth of nails
    • Dry, peeling skin
    • Abundance of scalp hair
    • Visible creases on palms and soles of feet
    • Minimal fat deposits
    • Green, brown, and yellow coloring of the skin from meconium staining

    Parents should schedule a consultation with our experienced Ohio birth injury lawyer whenever an infant suffers an injury related to postmaturity.

• AMNIOTIC FLUID EMERGENCY

  • Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds the developing fetus within the amniotic sac. This environment cushions the baby from injury and plays an important role in fetal development. If the amniotic fluid and the membranes of the placenta become infected, it is known as chorioamnionitis. If the chorioamnionitis becomes severe, an emergency delivery is required. The condition of having an extremely low amount of amniotic fluid is called oligohdramnios, which is a strong indication that the infant’s life is in jeopardy. This condition is closely associated with umbilical cord compression in the fetus and requires emergency delivery.

• AMNIOTIC FLUID EMBOLISM

  • Placental insufficiency is defined as failure of the placenta to deliver an adequate supply of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus and remove toxic wastes. The earlier the condition occurs in the pregnancy, the more severe it will become during the course of the pregnancy, possibly leading to intrauterine growth restriction. Pregnancy ultrasounds can be utilized to monitor the growth of the fetus and placenta. It is imperative that this condition is diagnosed early in the pregnancy, to prevent serious long-term side effects and decrease the risk for neurological and intellectual impairments such as cerebral palsy and seizures. Parents should schedule a consultation with an experienced birth injury lawyer whenever an infant suffers a permanent brain injury from placental insufficiency.

• CORD ACCIDENT

  • The fetus is connected to the placenta by the umbilical cord. On rare occasions, the cord can become entangled, twisted, or knotted, or perhaps even drop into the birth canal when membranes are ruptured, thus creating the need for an emergency delivery. When the umbilical cord becomes entangled, it can squeeze the blood vessels inside the cord, causing stoppage of the blood flow and creating a fatal condition for the fetus if left untreated. Cord accidents are the least common cause for emergency deliveries, but can result in a serious birth injury.

• PREECLAMPSIA AND HELLP SYNDROME

  • Preeclampsia is a condition that occurs in up to 5 percent of pregnancies. It is a condition that consists of edema (swelling), hypertension, and albuminuria. The cause of preeclampsia is unknown and there is no known treatment. Preeclampsia is a known cause for premature delivery and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The progression of this condition can be slowed with bed rest, magnesium sulfate, and other treatments. Sometimes the condition lingers after delivery and can cause kidney failure, seizures, and other serious conditions in the mother.

    Hemolysis-elevated liver enzymes - low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome is often misdiagnosed initially. Early diagnosis is necessary due to morbidity and mortality rates reported to be as high as 25 percent. It is a preeclamptic or eclamptic disorder with the findings shown in the clinical description from which the acronym is created. Severe hypertension may be present. Some women require blood transfusions. Women who have reached term should be delivered. However, women who have not reached full term should be closely monitored. HELLP syndrome has been known to be associated with poor maternal and fetal outcome in the third trimester, so the obstetrician must act promptly. The D-dimer test has been known to be helpful for the early identification of women with preeclampsia, which could lead to severe HELLP syndrome. Contact the birth injury attorney H Lee Thompson at The Thompson Law Firm today for more information.

• PLACENTAL PREVIA

  • Placenta previa is defined as the anatomic positioning of the placenta over the cervical opening to the birth canal. This condition has been known to occur in about one in 200 pregnancies. This is an important cause of painless third trimester bleeding in the pregnant female. Other effects include premature contractions, abnormal lie (breech, transverse), or the uterus measuring larger than what is normally expected given the projected delivery date. Many cases of placenta previa will require C-section delivery.

    Infant risks:

    • Increased incidence of congenital anomalies
    • Acute blood loss
    • Intrauterine growth retardation due to poor placental perfusion

    Mother risks:

    • Increased risk of placenta accrete
    • Caesarean delivery
    • Hemorrhage (life threatening)
    • Increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage