It is important pregnant women know the warning signs so they can seek appropriate treatment. A Cleveland medical malpractice lawyer may help Ohio families whose doctor failed to properly address the condition or any childbirth complications of the mother or child.

Causes and Symptoms of Eclampsia 

It is not easy to determine who will and who will not develop this condition because the root causes are not fully understood.

It is believed, however, that certain factors may contribute such as: 

• genes;
• diet;
• neurological factors; and
• problems with blood vessels. 

In addition, the following women are known to have been at higher risk in the past those: 

• carrying multiple babies;
• aged 35 or older;
• in their teen years;
• who are African-American; 
• who have a history of diabetes;
• who have a history of kidney problems; and/or
• who have high blood pressure.

In addition to seizures that characterize eclampsia, symptoms may include agitation or unconsciousness.

Women should seek immediate medical care if they notice: 

• bright red blood from the vaginal area;
• severe headache;
• abdominal pain;
• vision loss;
• nausea;
• vomiting; or
• that the baby is not moving.

Women should also be aware of symptoms of preeclampsia, of which eclampsia may be a serious complication. 

Women with preeclampsia may have: 

• high blood pressure;
• headaches;
• vision problems;
• hand/face swelling; and
• other symptoms that should be discussed with a doctor.

In some cases, the placenta may separate or the child may be born prematurely, which can put the child at risk for compilations. This is why it’s so important that these conditions and any childbirth complications of the mother are properly addressed. If they are not, a Cleveland medical malpractice lawyer can review an Ohio family’s case with an expert to determine if proper care was given.

Treatment for Eclampsia 

For best results, treatment should be started while the woman is in the mild stages of preeclampsia. Once the woman’s condition advances to eclampsia, complications are more likely to occur. Anti-seizure medication, such as magnesium sulfate, may be given to those who suffer from seizures. Steroids may be given if the fetus is fewer than 32 weeks old. Those with high blood pressure may be given appropriate medication as well.

To prevent eclampsia, some women with severe preeclampsia may be advised to deliver the child; still, the goal is to keep the baby in the womb for as close to 40 weeks as possible. This may reduce the risk of complications caused by premature delivery. The baby may be delivered at around 32 weeks if the condition is severe. For milder cases, delivery at 36-37 weeks may ideal. 

Many women who experience eclampsia have a good prognosis, while some may have elevated blood pressure after delivery. The babies often also fare well. If born prematurely, they will likely need to stay in the hospital for monitoring.

Although many babies and their mothers live fairly normal lives after eclampsia, some mothers and babies experience serious complications. Many complications present in the babies are attributed to premature birth. A condition called HELLP, which negatively affects liver function and causes anemia and low platelet counts, may cause complications and could increase risk of maternal death. 

Contacting a Cleveland Medical Malpractice Lawyer for an Ohio Case 

Failure to diagnose this condition or failure to provide proper treatment can result in liability issues for medical providers. Mellino Robenalt LLC can help clients who have suffered injury as a result of negligence related to childbirth complications for the mother or child. Victims and their families can set up a consultation in Cleveland with a medical malpractice lawyer in Ohio to review the details of their case related to diagnostic failure or poor handling of eclampsia or preeclampsia that causes childbirth complications for the mother or child.

Infections during pregnancy can cause many complications including: 

• pneumonia;
• brain damage;
• premature labor;
• developmental delays; and
• even death.

If the infection isn’t addressed properly or a doctor causes the infection, an Ohio medical malpractice lawyer in Cleveland can assist clients in holding the liable party responsible. 

Group B Streptococcus 

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is among the most common life-threatening pregnancy infections for newborns. Up to 25 percent of pregnant women are considered asymptomatic carriers of GBS and most of these women don’t even know they have the disease.

GBS can cause a host of medical problems in women, including: 

• abscesses in the pelvis;
• urinary tract infections;
• meningitis; and
• cystitis, though only around one percent of women with GBS have symptoms.

If the baby shows signs of GBS infection after birth, these symptoms may be associated with pneumonia, meningitis or sepsis. Babies who survive face the risk of vision loss, hearing problems and developmental delays.

Pregnant women who are carriers of GBS may be given penicillin during labor and delivery to prevent transmission of the disease to the fetus. If the mother is allergic to these medications, she may be given other medications as alternatives. If a doctor fails to test for or treat this infection, an Ohio medical malpractice lawyer may help Cleveland mothers with any legal action if they or their child is harmed.

Syphilis 

Women who have syphilis may transmit the infection to the child. When a mother has a pregnancy infection like syphilis and fails to manage it, rate of fetal infection increases, as do the health risks for the baby. Stillbirth and late abortion may result from an untreated case of syphilis.

The earlier treatment of the infection during the pregnancy is administered, the better the chance of avoiding serious injury to the baby. The mother may be screened for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases as well if syphilis is detected. Penicillin is the only drug that can be used to treat syphilis in pregnant women. If a woman is allergic to penicillin, measures may be taken that could allow the drug to be administered. 

Listeriosis 

Listeriosis is a rare pregnancy infection, but it can be very serious. It is caused by eating contaminated food. Pregnant women are 13 times more likely to contract listeriosis than women who are not pregnant, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The infection causes flu-like symptoms, such as fever, muscle aches, diarrhea and nausea. Many women have no symptoms.

Even though the symptoms of this pregnancy infection appear mild, the damage can be serious. It can cause the baby to be born prematurely and infected. Infection of the fetus may result in septicemia, meningoencephalitis, and other serious complications. Those who test positive for listeriosis are given antibiotics to reduce the spread of the infection to the baby. 

Urinary Tract Infections 

Although a urinary tract infection may not be so serious for a woman who is not pregnant, it can be a potentially dangerous pregnancy infection. When the urinary tract develops an infection during pregnancy, it can result in asymptomatic bacteriuria.

Urinary tract infections may cause the baby to be born premature and it can also lead to: 

• maternal anemia;
• low birth weight; and
• hypertension.

Urinary tract infections are often treated with antibiotics.

Contacting an Ohio Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Cleveland 

Failure to provide proper care may be considered medical negligence and could result in filing a claim in Ohio with a medical malpractice lawyer in Cleveland for injuries related to infections during pregnancy. 

Failing to provide proper care can include: 

• neglecting to address known infections;
• not screening for infection; and
• actually causing infection.

Mellino Robenalt LLC can help clients understand their legal options following an injury related to infection during pregnancy. Contact them at 440-333-3800 and order the free book Was it A Mistake? Your Ohio Medical Malpractice Questions Answered. Families dealing with complications of pregnancy infections related to malpractice can set up a free consultation to speak with an Ohio medical malpractice lawyer in Cleveland.

Traction and Assisted Birth Trauma 

If excessive traction (often caused by the doctor pulling too quickly or forcefully) is required to deliver the child, it can also result in birth injuries and trauma.

The most common type of traction injury occurs to the brachial plexus, a bundle of nerves that controls movement of the child’s: 

• arm;
• shoulder;
• hand; and
• fingers.

When excessive traction is used to free the baby from the birth canal, usually because the shoulder is trapped behind the mother’s pelvic bone, it can injure, stretch or tear this delicate area of nerves and lead to temporary or even permanent paralysis.

Depending on the severity of the brachial plexus injury, the baby may or may not fully recover. If the nerves are stretched, it is possible to regain full movement of the arm and hand. If the nerves are torn or ripped, however, a nerve graft may be required and full recovery may not be possible. Medical costs and other damages may be recoverable if a doctor’s negligent actions were to blame for the injuries or excessive mechanical forces were used. An Ohio medical malpractice attorney in Cleveland can help parents establish their damages and liability for injuries.

Forceps and Vacuum Extractions and Assisted Birth Trauma 

Forceps and vacuums are often used to remove babies from the womb who are: 

• breeched;
• stuck; or
• otherwise unable to be delivered on their own.

While their use may cause minor injury, if not used correctly they can result in serious newborn head injuries and trauma to the child.

Some possible newborn head injuries caused by the use of forceps and vacuums include: 

• facial paralysis;
• caput succadeaneum, a swelling of the baby’s scalp tissues;
• facial and cranial nerve damage;
• subaponeurotic hemorrhage, in which blood accumulates beneath the skull; and
• fractures and broken bones.

With some injuries, including bruising, cuts, lacerations, and broken bones, the child may be able to fully recover and suffer no long-term consequences. With others, such as nerve damage or paralysis, the effects may be permanent and may warrant help from an Ohio medical malpractice attorney in Cleveland to address long-term costs and damages.

Risk Factors for Assisted Birth Trauma 

There are some factors that may make a newborn more susceptible to assisted birth trauma such as newborn head injuries and neck injuries.

Some of these include: 

• the baby is larger than average;
• forceps or vacuums are used;
• the baby is in a breeched position;
• there is excessive traction or force used during delivery;
• the labor is particularly prolonged or difficult; and
• the mother’s pelvis is small.

Attending physicians are responsible for recognizing these risk factors and responding to them appropriately before and during the child’s delivery. If birth trauma or injury is suffered, it could be considered medical malpractice and the child’s parents may have grounds for a legal claim with help from an Ohio medical malpractice attorney in Cleveland.

Filing a Malpractice Claim with Help from an Ohio Medical Malpractice Attorney in Cleveland 

Parents whose child has suffered because of mechanical birth trauma like newborn head injuries or problems with the neck or shoulder related to medical negligence may call Mellino Robenalt LLC at 440-333-3800 or 216-241-1901 to set up a consultation with an Ohio medical malpractice attorney in Cleveland. Victims could be due compensation for any medical bills, lost income, pain, suffering and other damages associated with the assisted birth trauma.

If a coma and eventual vegetative state is the result of a surgeon’s or doctor’s negligence, Ohio medical malpractice lawyers in Cleveland can help families pursue compensation for the costs of care that the victim now requires.

Symptoms of a Persistent Vegetative State 

Once a patient has emerged from a coma, he or she may be in a vegetative state. This state may not be declared persistent, however, unless the individual remains in this level of consciousness for a certain amount of time, which is often considered more than a month.

In a persistent vegetative state, the patient may be unable to: 

• respond to or interact with the world and people around him/her;
• express language;
• feel pleasure or pain; and
• intentionally respond to visual, auditory or tactile stimuli.

Typically, the individual will still be able to: 

• blink, open and move his/her eyes;
• breathe independently;
• have normal blood circulation;
• experience cycles of sleeping and wakefulness;
• smile, cry, grimace and laugh, although these may not be an emotional response;
• track objects and movement with his/her eyes;
• grip objects; and
• make reflexive movements with limbs.

How Medical Negligence May Cause a Persistent Vegetative State 

A coma and/or persistent vegetative state can be caused by a number of injuries and underlying conditions. Most commonly, they occur because of brain injuries or trauma to the head, as in a car accident.

In terms of medical negligence, errors involving anesthesia or brain surgery may lead to an injury and could cause the individual to enter a vegetative state. Failure to properly treat infection – such as meningitis or encephalitis – may also be considered negligent and could lead to injury to the brain resulting in a coma or vegetative state.

In general, any brain injury, whether it is traumatic or not, can lead to a coma or vegetative state if severe. Ohio medical malpractice lawyers in Cleveland will evaluate and present evidence of negligence if handling a malpractice claim for the victim and his or her family. This may include medical expert testimony.

Outlook and Treatment of a Persistent Vegetative State 

The general outlook for a patient in this state depends largely on: 

• the type of injury or trauma the patient experienced;
• his or her age; and
• the length of time in a state of vegetation.

In most cases, the younger the patient, the more likely he or she will recover. While there is no true treatment for a persistent vegetative state, doctors and caregivers can continue to care for the patient and ensure his or her health.

Caregivers will focus on: 

• preventing infections;
• keeping the body clean;
• providing proper nutrition; and
• providing physical therapy, if applicable.

Ohio medical malpractice lawyers can help Cleveland families recover compensation for these costs in a malpractice claim.

If a patient emerges from the vegetative state, he or she may do so gradually. Even then, it may be unlikely the patient will fully regain physical, cognitive and emotional abilities. If large areas of brain tissue have died, the likelihood of recovery from a vegetative state may be slimmer.

An Ohio Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help Cleveland Families Pursue a Claim for Damages 

If a patient has fallen into a persistent vegetative state because of the negligence or error of a physician or surgeon, the patient and his or her family may have grounds for a legal claim and could be due compensation for resultant damages.

In Ohio, medical malpractice lawyers in Cleveland at Mellino Robenalt LLC can help. Victims and their families can call 440-333-3800 to schedule an appointment to discuss damages and filing a claim following malpractice that leads to a coma and/or a persistent vegetative state.

Potential Injuries from Birth Mistake 

Errors in the delivery room can lead to a variety of medical issues, including: 

• Cerebral palsy – This condition may be related to lack of oxygen to the brain. It may lead to motor skills impairment and may be associated with other developmental problems.
• Erb’s palsy – Caused by damage to the brachial plexus (nerves around the neck) that may affect movement of the arm.
• Facial palsy – If a birth mistake damages a cranial nerve, it may lead to a loss of control of facial muscles. It may go away on its own, but some require therapy.
• Cephalohematoma – This is a collection of blood between the skull and periosteum, which could increase risk for jaundice. It may be related to use of vacuum assisted delivery.

These injuries may be genetic or the result of normal labor and delivery procedures, but a birth mistake may also be to blame in some cases in Ohio. Medical malpractice lawyers in Cleveland may consult a medical expert to review the circumstances of the birth to determine if negligence and medical malpractice may be the cause of the injuries. 

How Birth Mistakes and Injuries Occur 

Birth injuries may occur through various types of negligence and medical malpractice. For example, doctors and nurses may fail to monitor the oxygen levels and heart rates of the baby and mother during labor. Not recognizing a lack of oxygen could lead to cerebral palsy in some cases.

The doctor may also be at fault for failing to properly address a situation in which the child becomes stuck in the birth canal. This could lead to damage the brachial plexus or other nerves because of trauma during the delivery. A doctor using forceps or vacuum extraction with too much force or using the devices improperly can cause injury to the baby, too.

An Ohio medical malpractice lawyer in Cleveland might use medical records from the labor and delivery process, as well as medical expert testimony, to assess the circumstances of the birth. If the doctor acted negligently, a medical malpractice claim may be filed to collect compensation for damages. 

Claiming Damages for Birth Mistake Negligence and Medical Malpractice 

Parents of a child who has suffered birth injuries may recover compensation for all medical bills, including: 

• hospitalization;
• surgery;
• rehabilitation;
• medical supplies; and
• medications.

If the mother is injured, the family can recover compensation for her medical bills as well. An Ohio medical malpractice lawyer can help collect bills, receipts and other documentation that demonstrate extent of the medical costs.

In addition, parents can claim damages for future care and treatment that may be required to address the birth injuries. This is where having an attorney helping with the case may be particularly important, as addressing future costs and required care may be difficult without legal help and expert medical testimony. 

Contacting Ohio Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Cleveland 

Although not all injuries and medical conditions can be prevented, doctors have the duty to take proper steps to properly address complications. Parents may request a copy of Was it A Mistake? Your Ohio Medical Malpractice Questions Answered, and can review their legal options in Ohio with medical malpractice lawyers in Cleveland at Mellino Robenalt LLC.

Call 440-333-3800 to set up an appointment with an attorney for help with a claim for negligence and medical malpractice involving birth mistakes.

In cases of medical malpractice in Cleveland, an attorney can help new mothers or a child’s parents pursue compensation for their damages through a claim for medical malpractice in Ohio.

Infection Risks for New Mothers 

Women who undergo Caesarean sections may be at higher risk for infection after birth because surgery in general raises a person’s infection risk. A C-section requires doctors to cut through the abdominal area and through the uterus as well, so the infection may occur in the uterus, at the site of the abdominal scar, or at other areas in the pelvic region.

While C-section patients are at an increased risk, they are by no means the only new moms who can get an infection after birth. Infections can happen at the site of any wound, tear, or incision, whether it happens naturally or surgically. Women who have episiotomies or who tear during delivery are at risk for infection, as are those who experience injuries to their cervix or uterus during a difficult childbirth.

Complete delivery of the placenta is another important part of avoiding post-partum infections. Sometimes, the placenta may become strongly attached to the uterine wall so that it does not come out after the baby is delivered. If the placenta is retained it can cause infection because it is no longer needed for sustaining the baby and becomes foreign matter to the body.

In deliveries that require interventions like a C-section or an epidural, the mother may be catheterized. Catheterization can sometimes cause urinary tract and bladder infections, especially when the catheter is inserted improperly or sterile handling measures are not taken.

Mothers suffering from infections will usually run a fever and have pain, swelling and discharge from the affected area. They will need to be treated with antibiotics and have the source of the infection treated. If a doctor does not treat an infection properly or if the cause of the infection is related to medical malpractice, a Cleveland attorney can help pursue compensation for damages.

Infections in Newborns 

The mother is not the only one who can suffer from infections after delivery; newborn babies can also contract infections under certain circumstances, including medical malpractice in Ohio if proper steps are not taken in the nursery to prevent infection.

Newborns have fragile immune systems that are not yet able to put up a strong fight against viruses and bacteria. When a newborn has an infection shortly following birth, it is sometimes one that passed from the mother during pregnancy. In other cases, the infection is something the baby picked up from the hospital environment.

Premature infants are at much higher risk for hospital-acquired respiratory and skin infections: 

• staph;
• E. coli; and
• fungal infections.

Babies who get infections can also run a fever and have breathing problems, pain and difficulty nursing. The baby will likely need to be kept in the neonatal ward for a time while the infection is treated. Failure to properly address an infection after birth may be considered medical malpractice, and a Cleveland attorney may call on expert witnesses to explore the care provided by the doctor.

Addressing Medical Malpractice in Ohio with a Cleveland Attorney 

Both mothers and babies can suffer serious complications and even death from untreated infection. After contracting an infection that caused serious or fatal complications, victims may have grounds for medical malpractice in Cleveland.

An attorney can evaluate the case and help decide the best course of action; he or she will also represent your best interests and seek the compensation you deserve in a claim for medical malpractice in Ohio.

Mellino Robenalt LLC can help mothers or families dealing with troublesome infection related to medical malpractice in Ohio. Call 440-333-3800 to discuss medical malpractice with a Cleveland attorney if negligence is related to the cause of an infection after birth, or its worsening because of failure to properly treat it.

In these cases, or if a medical professional causes complications such as infection after a C-section, victims may decide to pursue a medical malpractice claim alleging delivery malpractice. Victims or their families can contact Cleveland medical malpractice lawyers for help with an Ohio delivery malpractice case. 

Reasons for an Emergency C-section 

Emergency C-sections may be ordered when there is a sudden change in the labor process or when there is a threat to the mother or child’s wellbeing.

Some of the possible reasons for undergoing an emergency C-section include: 

• fetal distress;
• low maternal blood pressure;
• placental abruption;
• uterine rupture;
• umbilical cord prolapse;
• placenta previa;
• breeched birthing position;
• preeclampsia; and
• slowed or stopped labor.

When these signs are presented, it’s crucial that doctors recognize them and take appropriate action. If an emergency C-section isn’t ordered, malpractice may be evaluated by Cleveland medical malpractice lawyer who may call on an Ohio medical expert to testify regarding the actions of the doctor.

Consequences of a Delayed Emergency C-section 

According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and American Academy of Pediatrics, once it’s been determined that an emergency C-section is medically necessary, it should be performed within 30 minutes.

In some cases, such as when the umbilical cord has prolapsed or there has been uterine rupture, C-sections should be performed much earlier. Delaying the procedure any longer could result in dangerous injuries to both the mother and child.

Depending on the circumstances, a delayed emergency C-section may lead to: 

• birth injuries;
• child brain damage or mental retardation;
• excessive maternal blood loss;
• maternal cardiac arrest; or
• death of the mother or child.

Anyone who has suffered these consequences because of suspected delayed emergency C-section malpractice may find consultation in Cleveland with medical malpractice lawyers helpful if considering an Ohio delivery malpractice claim.

Delayed Emergency C-sections as Malpractice 

If certain signs, symptoms or complications present themselves during labor, indicating that the mother or child may be in danger, it is the doctor’s duty to respond appropriately to those signs and, if necessary, order an emergency C-section. If a doctor fails to do so, and it results in an injury to or death of the mother or child, the victims could have grounds for a legal claim.

A Cleveland medical malpractice lawyer can help Ohio families gather evidence and line up expert medical witnesses to explore the actions of the healthcare professional. Eventually, the medical expert may testify in a delivery malpractice suit that: 1) an emergency C-section should have been performed and 2) the lack of C-section or delay in performing it caused injury or harm.

Through a delivery malpractice claim, victims can seek compensation for: 

• medical bills;
• mental anguish and emotional suffering;
• permanent disability; and
• loss of enjoyment of life.

In the event the mother or baby dies because of the delayed C-section, survivors may be able to seek additional compensation for funeral and burial expenses.

Seek Help in Cleveland from Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Ohio 

To discuss if delivery malpractice may have caused injury and if compensation may be sought for damages related to emergency C-section malpractice, victims and their loved ones can contact Mellino Robenalt LLC in Cleveland. A medical malpractice lawyer in Ohio at the firm can provide legal consultation and offer legal representation and assistance if pursuing an emergency C-section malpractice claim.

While some post-delivery birth injuries cannot be reliably anticipated – such as those owing to genetic mutations – many injuries can be effectively treated or prevented with careful medical attention. A neonatal birth injury can have a lifelong impact on a child and his or her family so it’s important to understand the circumstances involved. Medical malpractice lawyers in Ohio can provide assistance to families affected by serious injuries they suspect can be attributed to medical malpractice.

Common Factors in Postnatal/Neonatal Birth Injuries 

Some of the issues that medical personnel should be alert to after delivery include: 

• abnormal APGAR scores (a medical professional’s failure to act quickly to address issues contributing to a low APGAR score can lead to further complication);
• encephalitis (the Mayo Clinic cites viral encephalitis, which causes inflammation of the brain, as a risk factor in an infant developing cerebral palsy);
• hypothermia (brain cooling) treatment errors;
• infection (particularly if the infection goes undetected and/or untreated);
• chorioamnionitis;
• meningitis (the Mayo Clinic cites bacterial meningitis as a risk factor in an infant developing cerebral palsy);
• neonatal hypoglycemia; and
• sepsis.

Newborn Health Conditions 

Newborn health conditions can lead to neonatal birth injury. Listed below are some of the health conditions and factors that may lead to long-term injury: 

• bleeding;
• abnormal blood pressure;
• breathing issues;
• circulation problems;
• heart problems;
• hereditary conditions that interfere with digestion;
• issues with hydration;
• jaundice/elevated bilirubin (the Mayo Clinic cites severe or untreated jaundice as putting an infant at greater risk for developing cerebral palsy);
• meconium aspiration;
• nutrition;
• temperature (either too high or too low); and
• untreated seizures.

If any of the above conditions or factors were left undiagnosed or untreated, an infant may be at risk for suffering a neonatal birth injury with possible short- or long-term effects. In this case, parents may discuss the details with medical malpractice lawyers in Ohio to evaluate whether they have a case, and for help determining liability for injuries.

Liability for Birth Injuries That Occur After Delivery 

The prevention of post-delivery injury begins in the pregnancy stage with careful assessment and monitoring of the expectant mother. That level of care should continue throughout labor and delivery and after the baby is born. A newborn ‘s health should be tended to with great vigilance and attention to detail.

The staff that is charged with the infant’s well being should have the experience and training necessary to be able to identify potential risk factors in a timely manner and should be equipped to address any crisis which may arise. Risk of neonatal birth injury may be reduced if the newborn’s health is given due diligence.

In cases where a postnatal injury does occur and medical negligence or medical errors are suspected, parents can discuss liability for the injuries with medical malpractice lawyers in Ohio. Some of the parties that can be found liable include: 

• obstetrician;
• obstetric nurse;
• hospital staff; and
• NICU staff.

In situations where a newborn’s health condition has led to injury, it may be difficult to determine if liability is an issue or whether the injury was essentially “impossible” to prevent. In almost all cases where there is some uncertainty, it will be necessary to get a thorough review of the process by an objective party with a strong knowledge of birth injury. The medical expert may be able to assess the situation and help to determine if medical negligence or medical malpractice were deciding factors in a neonatal injury.

Ask Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Ohio About a Possible Case of Neonatal Birth Injury 

Families may be affected by birth injuries well into the future. These injuries or medical conditions can have a lifelong impact that can bring with it significant medical bills and other expenses. Parents may seek the input of medical malpractice lawyers in Ohio if in doubt regarding the cause of a serious birth injury.

A lawyer can analyze the details of the case to help determine whether evidence exists that a medical professional was liable in providing care to the newborn. Medical malpractice lawyers in Ohio at Mellino Robenalt LLC can provide consultation with parents affected by neonatal birth injuries.

Compensation could be available for the current and future healthcare costs associated with the injury. There may be other types of damages that can be sought as well.

What is encephalitis? 

When an infection is present in the brain, it can cause inflammation. The condition in which this occurs is known as encephalitis. The condition can range from mild to severe. Although treatment may help improve the condition, some may be at risk of serious complications or even death.

What causes newborn encephalitis? 

Generally, encephalitis is caused by a virus or bacteria. When a pregnant mother has an infection, it may pass to her child during vaginal delivery.

The most common type of virus that may cause newborn encephalitis if passed to the child is herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2), according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Even without current symptoms, a pregnant woman may pass the virus to her child during vaginal delivery.

If the infection is acquired later in pregnancy and a first outbreak is present during a vaginal delivery, risk of transmission to the baby may be greater. Women who have an infection should consult their physician about reducing risk of transmission to their child. If appropriate steps are not taken, a doctor in Cleveland may be held liable by a medical malpractice lawyer in Ohio in a malpractice claim.

What are the symptoms of newborn encephalitis? 

It can take a few days for symptoms to present themselves. Symptoms of herpes may include rash, fever, sores, or eye infection. The child should be properly treated.

If treatment is not provided, the child may suffer additional harm and the doctor who failed to provide treatment may be considered negligent, in which case a Cleveland medical malpractice lawyer can help Ohio parents pursue a claim. If not treated, encephalitis may develop.

Symptoms of encephalitis may include: 

• Irritability;
• poor feeding;
• vomiting;
• bulging soft spot on top of the head; and
• body stiffness.

What are the possible complications of newborn encephalitis? 

The consequences of encephalitis in a newborn can be life-altering or even fatal. Not only can the virus affect the baby’s brain but it can also affect the central nervous system.

Some of the potential risks include cerebral palsy (impairment of motor skills, movement and muscle tone) and mental retardation (impairment of cognitive functioning). Parents in Cleveland who suspect negligence like failure to address risk of infection to the newborn or to properly treat newborn encephalitis or HSV can consult a medical malpractice lawyer in Ohio.

Could a doctor prevent encephalitis? 

One of the ways in which a doctor might be liable for this type of birth injury is if it was known the mother had genital herpes and measures weren’t taken to treat it and/or protect the unborn baby. It may be necessary for the mother to take medication around the 36^th week of pregnancy. Not offering this as an option could be considered negligence.

Another way a doctor may be able to prevent encephalitis in a newborn is by performing a C-Section instead of vaginal delivery. When there are obvious lesions in the mother’s genital area, a vaginal birth should generally be avoided.

Although it doesn’t guarantee the virus won’t be transmitted, avoiding vaginal delivery may reduce risk. So by not making this option available, it could be viewed as negligent and a Cleveland medical malpractice lawyer may help Ohio parents pursue a claim.

Compensation for a medical malpractice claim could be available to address the financial, physical and emotional losses suffered. In Cleveland, a medical malpractice lawyer at Mellino Robenalt LLC can help Ohio parents who suspect negligence may have contributed to their child’s injury or medical condition. Patents who suspect negligence related to failure to address cases of HSV or to properly treat newborn encephalitis can discuss case details with a lawyer.

It seems to almost have reached the proportions of an epidemic — what to do about medical malpractice cases, how to reform the situation so huge amounts of money are not paid out, how to make things easier for the medical profession and how to lower insurance costs and payouts. Wait. Something is missing from that picture. What about the victims?

In virtually any proposition relating to medical malpractice reform, victims are sidelined. They are living with serious injuries, or may have died as a result of medical negligence, and the state wants them to suffer more and get less in compensation —- because a doctor made a mistake and no one wants to pay out what that mistake was worth in damages. If people, including lawmakers, think the solution lies in reducing compensation to victims, there is something seriously wrong with the system.

Lately, there have been some rather creative propositions to deal with medical malpractice damages, including one from Arizona that suggests attorneys be certified as medical malpractice attorneys, before the could file a lawsuit. Additionally, the suggestion also calls for only specially trained judges to handle these cases. Good idea? Bad idea? It would certainly remove attorneys inexperienced in the field and who would only take on a case and refer it to a lawyer who could handle it.

Oregon has new legislation in place that lets doctors and patients, those with genuinely serious injuries, to discuss their situation and a possible resolution, prior to anyone filing a lawsuit. While it may not accurately be called mediation, it may be more along the lines of negotiation. Does it have potential? Only time will tell.
Recent articles and studies indicate the system in place to handle medical malpractice cases is seriously messed up; much like the U.S. immigration system, and we all know how much progress has not been made in that regard. Most disturbing though is that a Health Affairs study revealed that doctors spend a whole chunk of time in court, as opposed to caring for their patients. That’s a frightening thought. If they are in court defending their medical judgement, or lack of it, they are in court for a valid reason.

Oddly, they argue they are forced into practicing defensive medicine, which is a chic catch-all concept designed to deflect attention from the “real” issue —- medical negligence. Doing more tests, ordering more lab work or x-rays will not necessarily mean the doctor won’t still make a mistake and misdiagnose, fail to diagnose or diagnose too late. Nor does it mean they will not end up prescribing the wrong drug for the wrong person, the right drug in the wrong dose or the wrong dose for the right person. Complexity is obviously an issue here. Either the medical professional is on the ball, or they are not. If they make a mistake, they need to be held accountable for it.

One of the nation’s largest medical malpractice insurers, The Doctor’s Company, suggests the average doctor spends at least 51 months in litigation over the span of their career, resulting in no payout and costing them time lost in caring for patients. The issue here may then be that jurors are reluctant to find that doctors and hospitals are negligent even when malpractice has occurred.

The health industry and the insurance industry have spent hundreds of millions of dollars providing misinformation to the public in order to villainize people who seek compensation for injuries caused by malpractice. The spokesperson for the company also suggests the bulk of medical malpractice lawsuits are frivolous. Hundreds of medical negligence attorneys would vigorously disagree.

Florida and Georgia will attempt to completely overhaul the medical malpractice litigation system, by educating people about defensive medicine, said to cost the medical system close to $650 billion a year. Again, the real issue is making mistakes, whether there are lots of tests or not.

Who will fix the human factor in the practice of medicine? Who will clean up after medical negligence when a victim’s life has been irreparably destroyed due to a medical error? It won’t be the insurance companies. It won’t be the lobbyists who want to cap damages. It won’t be the lawmakers who think victims need less money to care for themselves because someone ruined their lives. It will be the medical malpractice attorneys holding a medical professional responsible for their mistakes.

Christopher Mellino is a Cleveland medical malpractice lawyer specializing in Cleveland medical malpractice cases cases in Ohio. To learn more, visit www.mellinorobenalt.com.