For families facing the aftermath of a severe birth injury, one critical question often arises: Did a medication error play a role?
If your child has suffered a birth injury, understanding the cause is an essential first step. At Kline & Specter, PC, we have handled some of the most catastrophic medical malpractice cases in the nation. We are a uniquely qualified team of over 50 attorneys, including five who are also medical doctors — more than any other law firm in the U.S.
Learn more about the potential impacts of medication errors during labor below.
How Medication Errors Happen in Labor and Delivery
Labor involves multiple high-risk medications like Pitocin (oxytocin), epidurals, antibiotics, and anesthesia. Mistakes can happen at any point during administration or monitoring, especially when:
- The wrong drug is given due to mislabeling or communication breakdowns.
- The dose is too high or too low, leading to dangerous reactions.
- Staff fail to monitor the baby’s or the mother’s response to medications.
- Critical drugs are delayed, especially during emergencies.
These breakdowns in care can reduce oxygen supply to the baby, damage the brain, or cause other types of irreversible harm.
What Injuries Can Result from These Mistakes?
Medication-related injuries during childbirth can be severe and life-changing. These include:
- Cerebral palsy
- Seizure disorders
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
- Developmental delays
- Stillbirth or neonatal death
These conditions often require ongoing treatment and extensive resources that many families are not prepared for. Representation from an experienced attorney can be invaluable in helping victims receive the long-term support they need.
Seek Legal Action After a Serious Birth Injury
When hospitals or providers fail to meet the standard of care, families may have legal recourse. At Kline & Specter, our record-setting verdicts and settlements reflect our commitment to fighting for justice in the most complicated circumstances.
If you believe a medication error during labor caused your child’s birth injury, call our firm at 215-772-1000 or submit our contact form.
Kline & Specter provides free and confidential evaluations of potential cases. Kline & Specter handles cases in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. For cases outside those states, the law firm works with local attorneys in each state as applicable.
