For most new parents, the birth of a child is an exciting event which they have looked forward to for months. Sadly, often obstetricians fail to exercise a high level of care during childbirth. This may result in injuries or death to the mother, the child, or both.
There are many types of malpractice an obstetrician can commit during labor or delivery. The obstetrician may fail to recognize complications during the delivery. He or she may not have performed proper tests during the pregnancy or delivery. For example, he or she may have failed to give the mother a Group B strep test, which could help the doctor to prevent deadly infections in the infant. The obstetrician may also have failed to carefully monitor the delivery, which could have dangerous implications if complications arise.
Obstetricians may improperly use medical devices during delivery. This may include the use of vacuums or forceps. If a C-section is performed, surgical instruments can in some cases cause damage to the mother or the child.
When a high level of care is used during labor and delivery, the vast majority of deliveries result in healthy infants. However, if a proper standard of care is not used, tragedy can result. If you believe that you have been the victim of an obstetrician’s malpractice in southern California, call me, Conal Doyle, medical malpractice attorney, at 310-385-0567. I will provide you with a free consultation on your case. Call to learn more.