Kentucky Post-Partum Negligence Attorneys
Legal help in Lexington & Louisville when malpractice occurs in the delivery room
The months and weeks leading up to the birth of your baby are typically full of promise and excitement. Even with a relatively normal labor and delivery, however, the transition to parenthood is rarely simple. And, when doctors fail to provide the right post-partum care, new mothers and newborns can suffer serious health issues that put both of their lives in jeopardy. If you put your trust and health in the care of an obstetrician or doctor and they failed, causing you or your baby injury, you have legal options.
The attorneys at Wilt Injury Lawyers have years of experience protecting the rights of the injured in Kentucky. We particularly focus on medical malpractice cases, as founder and lead attorney Ron Wilt previously worked defending hospitals against malpractice suits before his current work protecting patients injured by negligent doctors. Our unique perspective gives you the edge you need when building the strongest possible case on your behalf. Contact us in Lexington or Louisville today.
How can we help today?
- What defines post-partum negligence?
- What are some examples of Kentucky post-partum negligence?
- What kinds of injuries are caused by post-partum negligence?
- What is preeclampsia and eclampsia?
- How do I know if I have a Kentucky medical malpractice case?
- Do you have a post-partum negligence attorney near me?
What defines post-partum negligence?
Post-partum means after birth, and post-partum injuries can affect both mother and child. This period begins immediate after delivery and typically lasts about six weeks, although it can be different for everyone. Although we most often hear the term “post-partum” regarding depression, during the post-partum period a mother undergoes both emotional and physical changes and should remain under a doctor’s watchful care.
What are some examples of Kentucky post-partum negligence?
Like most medical malpractice cases, a post-partum negligence case hinges on a medical professional’s carelessness and the injuries and harm caused by that negligence. Some of the more common examples we see here at Wilt Injury Lawyers include:
- Failure to recognize and treat complications. This includes both mother and baby, with complications including things like oxygen loss, uterine hemorrhage, or sudden drops in blood pressure.
- Medication errors. Doctors or nurses may prescribe or administer the wrong dose, the wrong medication, or a medication to which the mother is allergic. Or, physicians may fail to note potential side effects or medication interactions when prescribing.
- Improper neonatal care. Failure to monitor a newborn during their first fragile hours of life or during a stay in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) can cause life-altering or fatal injuries to the infant.
- Improper wound care. This can include failure to properly care for a C-section incision or any tears or rips to the vaginal area.
The Kentucky attorneys at Wilt Injury Lawyers can launch an investigation into the chain of events that led to your or your baby’s injuries.
What kinds of injuries are caused by post-partum negligence?
Poor post-partum care can result in serious harm to both mother and child. Failure to diagnose certain conditions or monitor vital signs can lead to permanent injuries or, in the worst cases, even wrongful death. Negligent post-partum care can result in the following:
For the mother:
- Preeclampsia and eclampsia
- Severe infections
- Brain damage
- Sepsis
- Hemorrhages
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Coma
For the baby:
- Jaundice
- Bone fractures
- Severe infections
- Cognitive delays
- Cerebral palsy
- Erb’s palsy
- Respiratory distress
- Loss of vision and/or hearing
- Oxygen loss
Our Kentucky medical malpractice lawyers can determine the strength of your case in a free and personal consultation.
What is preeclampsia and eclampsia?
Preeclampsia and eclampsia are serious conditions a mother can develop during and post-pregnancy. This is a condition that affects women who are 20 weeks or more pregnant, characterized by a sharp rise in blood pressure in mothers who did not previously exhibit blood pressure complications. It can last throughout the pregnancy and up to six weeks after birth.
Factors that can put women at greater risk of developing preeclampsia include obesity and being 40 years of age or older. When blood pressure rises, it can affect the liver, kidneys and other organs. Left untreated, preeclampsia can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences.
Many maternal deaths caused by preeclampsia can be prevented if doctors adhere to acceptable standards of care, including:
- Ordering tests to monitor proteinuria, hypertension and blood platelets
- Tracking symptoms associated with preeclampsia, such as swelling of the extremities, headaches, reduced urine and vision problems
- Monitoring the mother’s blood pressure throughout the pregnancy, delivery and postpartum period
- Identifying the risk factors of developing preeclampsia
- Inducing delivery or taking other immediate steps to reduce the risk of harm to mother and child
If your or your loved one’s physician failed to diagnose or properly treat preeclampsia, you may be entitled to the following compensation:
- Current and future medical bills
- Current and future wage loss
- Rehabilitation services
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability
How do I know if I have a Kentucky medical malpractice case?
One of the reasons we advise consulting with an attorney when considering bringing a post-partum negligence claim is because medical malpractice claims tend to be quite complex. For a successful malpractice claim, as the plaintiff, you must demonstrate the following elements:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed. This means the patient and the physician had a professional relationship where the physician agreed to provide treatment or diagnosis. For example, a person cannot bring a malpractice lawsuit against someone who offered medical advice at a social gathering or on an online forum.
- There was an established duty of care. A duty of care is the general standard of safety and care accepted in the physician’s medical community; in other words, how a competent physician would diagnose and treat the patient in question.
- The physician breached this duty of care. Through negligence, carelessness, or intention, the physician failed to uphold their duty of care to the patient.
- The breach of care caused you injury. By violating the standard of care, you as the patient suffered serious injury.
- The injury caused damages. These damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other losses caused by your injuries.
Our Kentucky attorneys work to maximize your compensation, whether through negotiations and settlement or going to trial. We are always prepared to go to trial, building you the strongest case possible.
Do you have a post-partum negligence attorney near me?
Wilt Injury Lawyers has offices in Louisville and Lexington:
If you are too injured or ill to travel to us, we can arrange a phone or video conference. We also make hospital visits when necessary.
Compassionate post-partum negligence attorneys helping families throughout Lexington & Louisville
The post-partum period is one of the most fragile times for a mother and child. When a doctor fails in their duty to care for them and they suffer severe or fatal injury, you need an advocate. The Kentucky post-partum negligence attorneys at Wilt Injury Lawyers can help. We handle the legal process, including seeking financial compensation for your damages, so you can rest and recover with your family. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, call 502-253-9110 or fill out our contact form today. We maintain offices in Lexington and Louisville, and proudly serve clients throughout Kentucky.