When parents welcome a new baby into the world, they place an incredible amount of trust in their doctors. But when that trust is broken, and medical mistakes lead to birth injuries, the consequences can be devastating. So what are common examples of OB/GYN malpractice that cause birth injuries in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania? And how can families protect their rights if something goes wrong?
At Anapol Weiss, we work with families across Allegheny County and the surrounding region who are facing the heartbreaking reality of birth injuries caused by preventable medical errors. In this blog, we explore what OB/GYN malpractice looks like, how it leads to birth injuries, and what legal options are available to affected families.
What Is OB/GYN Malpractice?
OB/GYN malpractice refers to medical negligence by obstetricians or gynecologists before, during, or after childbirth. When an OB/GYN fails to follow accepted medical standards and a patient or newborn is harmed as a result, that may be considered malpractice. These errors can occur during prenatal care, labor, delivery, or postpartum treatment.
Not every complication is the result of negligence. But if a doctor overlooks critical signs, delays treatment, or makes avoidable mistakes, the results can be serious and even permanent for the baby and the mother.
Common OB/GYN Mistakes That Lead to Birth Injuries
Here are some of the most common examples of OB/GYN malpractice that can cause birth injuries:
1. Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress
One of the most important parts of labor and delivery is monitoring the baby's heart rate. This helps doctors know if the baby is in distress or not getting enough oxygen. When an OB/GYN fails to recognize signs of distress, the baby may suffer from oxygen deprivation, which can lead to serious brain injuries like cerebral palsy or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
2. Delayed or Failed Cesarean Section
Sometimes, a vaginal delivery becomes too dangerous, and an emergency C-section is needed. If the O/BGYN delays making that call or fails to act quickly when complications arise, the baby may suffer permanent injuries due to lack of oxygen or trauma during birth. Delayed C-sections are often a leading cause of medical malpractice claims related to birth injuries.
3. Improper Use of Delivery Tools
Forceps and vacuum extractors can help deliver a baby when labor isn’t progressing, but only when used properly. If an OB/GYN uses too much force or applies the tool incorrectly, it can lead to injuries like skull fractures, facial nerve damage, or brachial plexus injuries. These tools must be used with extreme care, especially in high-risk deliveries.
4. Misdiagnosis or Failure to Diagnose Complications
Conditions like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or infections such as Group B Strep can affect both the mother and baby if not properly diagnosed and treated. If a doctor in Allegheny County misses these red flags, the baby could be at risk for preterm birth, low birth weight, or infection-related complications.
5. Negligent Prenatal Care
Prenatal visits are essential to check on the mother’s and baby’s health. OB/GYNs should monitor the baby’s growth, check for abnormalities, and address any maternal health issues. Neglecting to perform appropriate tests or ignoring symptoms can lead to missed diagnoses and preventable birth injuries.
6. Failure to Communicate with Medical Team
Labor and delivery involve a team of nurses, doctors, and specialists. If an OB/GYN fails to clearly communicate important information—such as changes in the baby’s heart rate or the mother’s vital signs—it can delay critical interventions. Communication errors are one of the most preventable causes of medical negligence.
7. Inadequate Postpartum Care
While most birth injuries happen during delivery, some can occur in the hours or days after birth. If a baby shows signs of distress, feeding difficulties, or jaundice, it’s vital that the medical team responds appropriately. Ignoring these signs can lead to complications that require long-term medical care.
Signs That Malpractice May Have Occurred
If your child experienced complications during birth, you might wonder whether the outcome was preventable. Here are some signs that OB/GYN malpractice may have played a role:
- Unexpected need for an emergency C-section
- Delayed response to fetal distress
- Use of excessive force during delivery
- Incomplete or confusing answers from hospital staff
- Visible signs of trauma on your newborn
- Diagnosis of conditions like cerebral palsy or HIE
If you live in Allegheny County and you’re seeing these signs, don’t wait to ask questions. Early legal consultation can help you understand your options and start building a case if medical negligence occurred.
Types of Birth Injuries That May Result from OB/GYN Malpractice
When an OB/GYN fails to act within the accepted standard of care, the consequences for a newborn can be devastating. Some injuries may heal over time, while others can lead to permanent disabilities. These may include:
- Neurological conditions like cerebral palsy caused by brain trauma or lack of oxygen
- Nerve damage, such as brachial plexus injuries or Erb’s palsy, from excessive force during delivery
- Broken bones or fractures from improper use of delivery tools
- Seizure disorders triggered by complications during labor
- Developmental delays that become apparent as the child grows
- Long-term cognitive or physical impairment due to oxygen deprivation at birth
These injuries often require long-term medical treatment, physical therapy, and adaptive equipment. In some cases, they can affect your child’s ability to walk, talk, or live independently.
What Legal Rights Do Families Have in Allegheny County?
Families in Allegheny County have the right to pursue legal action if medical negligence caused a preventable birth injury. Filing a malpractice claim can help you recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Ongoing therapy and rehabilitation
- Special education needs
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Emotional distress and pain and suffering
Each case is unique, which is why it’s so important to work with an attorney who understands Pennsylvania medical malpractice laws and has experience handling complex birth injury claims.
How Anapol Weiss Can Help
At Anapol Weiss, we help families in Allegheny County and throughout Pennsylvania uncover the truth after a birth injury. Our team works with medical experts to review your records, identify signs of malpractice, and build a strong legal case.
We know how difficult it is to watch your child struggle with an injury that could have been prevented. That’s why we’re committed to holding negligent providers accountable and helping you secure the compensation your child needs to move forward.
Contact a Birth Injury Attorney Today
If you believe your child’s injury may have been caused by OB/GYN malpractice, don’t wait. Time is limited to file a claim under Pennsylvania law. Let our team at Anapol Weiss review your case and help you understand your legal options.
Call us at 866-944-0553 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. For personalized legal guidance, please consult our team directly.