Fighting For Those Injured By Pitocin Errors
Every expectant mother hopes for a healthy baby and no birth complications, but the unfortunate truth is that it is not always the case. There are times when sound medical practice calls for forcing a delivery by inducing labor. Pitocin, the drug most commonly used for inducing labor, is a synthetic version of a hormone released naturally during labor that causes uterine contractions.
Crandall & Pera Law, helps families whose mothers and newborns have suffered the complications of improper induction of labor with Pitocin. Our team of medical malpractice attorneys, registered nurses and legal staff work together with you to document the details of your pregnancy and delivery and the treatment outcomes. If we discover evidence of medical negligence, we help you protect your family by representing you in court or during settlement negotiations.
Appropriate Uses Of Labor Induction
There are times when labor induction is the proper course of action to take, such as when labor suddenly stops, the baby stops moving, the baby's heart rate slows or when the mother has developed pregnancy-related complications such as preeclampsia or obstetric cholestasis. While Pitocin induces labor, it is not without risk. It may stimulate extra uterine muscle contractions that can cause major and permanent damage to the baby. In addition, a fair number of labor inductions necessitate a cesarean section (C-section) as well, turning an ordinary delivery into an unexpected major surgery.
The doctor is responsible for making the judgment call: Does the patient's condition warrant the risk of induced labor to the mother and baby, or does waiting pose the greater hazard?
When Labor Induction Is Inappropriate
Because induction can be risky both to the mother and the baby, it must be used judiciously. Inducing labor with Pitocin may be deemed a form of medical negligence when:
- The birth is simply overdue. Since the expected date of birth can be, and often is, miscalculated, the fact of lateness is not good cause, in and of itself, to induce labor.
- The patient had a previous C-section. Use of Pitocin in women with a previous C-section significantly increases the possibility of a ruptured uterus.
- Inconvenient timing of delivery. Believe it or not, some doctors have induced labor because the normal time of delivery would have interfered with their vacation plans.
If induction is performed without good reason, and fetal or maternal injury or death occurs, you should seek legal counsel from a qualified medical malpractice attorney at once.
Crandall & Pera Law understands how birth injuries may affect a family for a lifetime. Families may be deprived of a mother, or children of normally functioning limbs, because of poor judgment on the part of a medical professional. Our well-recognized team works one-on-one with you to ensure your rights are protected.
Support For Families Suffering The Effects Of Medical Malpractice
Please call 855-444-6651 or stay online and send us a message to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled and compassionate attorneys. We have multiple offices conveniently located in Cleveland, Cincinnati and other major cities in Ohio and Kentucky.