There are numerous indications that a baby may be in distress at some point during pregnancy or delivery, and the fetal heartbeat is a reliable, easily observable sign. Monitoring is an important tool that helps Florida health care providers evaluate the unborn child’s well-being and protect the infant during labor. Any errors with interpreting or responding to problems could be a situation of fetal heartbeat malpractice, leading to serious harm to the mother and baby.
The medical implications can be life-changing, and the losses are devastating for entire families. Fortunately, you have rights under Florida medical malpractice laws, and Freidin Brown, P.A. is dedicated to enforcing them. Please contact our firm to schedule a no-cost consultation with a St. Petersburg fetal heartbeat malpractice lawyer. You can also benefit from reviewing some basics.
Common Errors with Fetal Heartbeat Monitoring
To be considered malpractice under Florida medical negligence laws, it is necessary to prove that the physician deviated from the relevant standard of care. With fetal heartbeat malpractice, some examples of a deviation include:
- Failing to detect an abnormal fetal heartbeat with equipment readings
- Neglecting to use continuous monitoring when necessary
- Not responding with an appropriate strategy when fetal heartbeat monitoring indicates signs of distress
- Misinterpreting fetal heartbeat and the mother’s heartbeat
- Failure to make the call to perform a C-section when the infant’s life is at risk
- Not assessing the rate of contractions and how it compares to fetal heart rate
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Compensation for Extreme Losses
The consequences of malpractice with fetal heartbeat monitoring are severe because of how a lack of oxygen affects the fetus. Stillbirth or miscarriage is possible, but delivery is when fetal heartbeat monitoring is so critical. The infant may suffer from paralysis, brain damage, cerebral palsy, and many other long-term medical complications. For parents, is a relief to know that you may recover for:
- Medical costs
- Expenses for long-term care
- Lost wages, if you miss work to care for your child
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Guidance with the Legal Process
There are several steps involved with recovering monetary damages in these cases, and numerous tasks are required along the way. The St. Petersburg fetal heartbeat malpractice attorneys at Freidin Brown, P.A. will help navigate the requirements, so count on us to:
- Investigate and collect evidence
- Review all relevant medical records
- Prepare all forms to file a claim with the at-fault physician’s med mal insurer
- Discuss settlement options and attempt to negotiate an agreement for compensation
- Participate in mediation to resolve disputes
- Representing you during litigation, including fighting for your rights at a trial on the merits
A St. Petersburg Fetal Heartbeat Malpractice Lawyer Will Assist at Every Stage
The legal process can be complicated in any med mal case, so trust our team at Freidin Brown, P.A. for assistance with important tasks. We are aggressive in dealing with insurance companies, but we are ready to take your case to court to get fair compensation. Please contact us to set up a free case assessment with a St. Petersburg fetal heartbeat malpractice lawyer.