Bridgeport, CT Birth Injury Lawyers

Attorneys for Medical Malpractice Leading to Injuries During Childbirth in Bridgeport, Connecticut

It is a tragedy when a baby is harmed or passes away because of medical mistakes. At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we have represented Connecticut families in medical malpractice cases involving birth injuries, including those that occurred in hospitals, birthing centers, and during prenatal care. We understand the consequences that these injuries can have. We are committed to helping families obtain the recovery they need to provide care and support for their child, or we can work to ensure that compensation will address the wrongful death of a child or mother.

When your family has been affected by a birth injury, we know that you want to understand what happened. Our role is to listen, investigate, and help you determine your best options. Medical malpractice claims involving birth injuries will require a close review of medical records, expert opinions, and a clear picture of the long-term impact on the child and family.

What Is a Birth Injury?

A birth injury refers to physical harm to a newborn or mother that occurs before, during, or shortly after delivery. Some injuries may heal over time, but many can cause lifelong issues. In severe cases, the baby or mother may not survive. Not every injury at birth is caused by negligence, but when a preventable mistake leads to harm, a medical malpractice claim may be appropriate.

Common examples of birth injuries that may involve malpractice include:

• Brain damage from lack of oxygen (hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy)
• Cerebral palsy linked to delivery complications
• Brachial plexus injuries, including Erb's palsy
• Improper use of delivery tools, such as forceps or vacuum extractors
• Failure to monitor and respond to fetal distress
• Undiagnosed or untreated maternal conditions
• Delayed response to complications, like waiting too long to call for a C-section

Parents who choose hospital birthing centers often assume that their safety and their baby's health will be prioritized and that any signs of complications will be handled quickly. If that does not happen, there can be severe consequences. Our attorneys have experience reviewing birth injury cases from both hospital and non-hospital settings to determine when the proper standards of care were not followed. We can address issues such as

Delaying a Cesarean Section

When complications arise during labor, sometimes the safest option is to deliver the baby by cesarean section. Doctors and nurses are expected to recognize warning signs such as stalled labor, abnormal heart rate patterns, or umbilical cord problems. If they wait too long to move forward with a C-section, the baby may go without oxygen for several minutes. Delays can lead to brain injuries, developmental problems, or even infant death.

Misuse of Forceps

In some cases, providers may turn to tools like forceps or vacuum extractors to speed delivery. These devices can help if they are used with care, but when they are used incorrectly or were not needed, babies can be injured. Parents may not know at the time whether the use of forceps was necessary. A careful look at medical records can show whether the decision was made appropriately or whether it placed the baby at unnecessary risk.

Amniotic Fluid Concerns and Delayed Delivery

Amniotic fluid protects and supports a baby before birth. If the levels drop too low, the baby may be injured. Doctors can measure fluid levels, and they should track changes during pregnancy and labor. When they see signs of low fluid but do not act, babies may suffer brain damage, growth restriction, or other preventable injuries.

Breech Birth Complications

A breech birth happens when the baby is positioned feet first or bottom first instead of head down. This is not uncommon, and doctors should watch for this issue during prenatal care. When a child is in the breech position, the delivery can become dangerous. Trying a breech delivery without the right preparation can lead to oxygen deprivation, nerve injuries, or fractures. In many cases, a planned C-section is the safest approach. If a medical team does not recognize or respond to a breech presentation, both the mother and the baby may face injuries that were preventable.

Ignoring Maternal or Fetal Distress

Labor can be unpredictable, but doctors and nurses are trained to respond quickly when something is wrong. For mothers, warning signs may include high blood pressure, severe bleeding, infection, or seizure activity. For babies, signs like abnormal heart rate readings or reduced movement may need to be addressed quickly. Ignoring these signals can cause serious injuries or worse. These cases often depend on whether the care team recognized the problems and responded in a timely and appropriate way.

Termination Errors in Twin Pregnancies

Selective reduction procedures in twin or multiple pregnancies are sometimes recommended for medical reasons. These procedures require great care and accuracy. When the wrong fetus is terminated, the family may lose the child they planned to welcome, and the remaining pregnancy may also be put at risk. This type of mistake is rare, but it does happen.

Embryo Transfer Mistakes in Fertility Treatments

Fertility treatment mistakes can happen if clinics do not follow strict procedures. Examples of mistakes include placing the wrong embryo, mixing up embryos between patients, or mishandling embryos during storage.

Prenatal Care Mistakes That Can Lead to Birth Injuries

Good prenatal care is critical to identifying and reducing risks before delivery. When doctors or other providers fail to monitor the pregnancy properly, serious and preventable injuries can happen. Common prenatal care errors include:

• Failing to diagnose maternal conditions such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia
• Missing signs of fetal distress or growth restriction
• Not ordering appropriate prenatal testing or follow-up
• Prescribing unsafe medications during pregnancy
• Ignoring or dismissing patient concerns about unusual symptoms

When prenatal issues are not identified early enough, the risk of injury during labor and delivery can increase. For example, undiagnosed gestational diabetes can lead to an overly large baby, which can cause physical injuries and nerve damage during birth.

Medical Malpractice in Birthing Centers

While hospitals remain the most common setting for deliveries, many families in Connecticut choose birthing centers for a more personal or natural birth experience. Birthing centers can offer a comfortable and supportive environment, but they are still medical facilities with professional standards of care. Mistakes in these settings can be especially serious, because a patient may not have immediate access to emergency surgical teams or advanced neonatal care found in hospitals.

In a birthing center, malpractice may occur if:

• Staff members fail to recognize signs of distress in the mother or baby.
• There is a delay in transferring to a hospital when complications arise.
• Equipment is inadequate or is not functioning correctly.
• Midwives or nurses act outside the scope of their training.
• Prenatal screening and preparation are incomplete.

Experienced Legal Help in Your Birth Injury Case

At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we have been representing injury victims and their families for decades. That is all we do. We understand how to work with medical experts and legal experts to build a strong case. We will make sure your case is presented in a way that shows both the harm caused by the medical practitioner and the long-term needs of the child.

We know that no amount of money can undo the harm caused by a preventable birth injury. What it can do is make it possible to access the care, equipment, and support that a child will need to live the fullest life possible. We will take the time to understand your child's needs, and we will work with life care planners, medical experts, and other professionals to show exactly what that support will require.

If your child suffered a birth injury, and you believe medical mistakes may have been involved, we can help you figure out what happened. There is no fee to speak with us, and we handle medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Birth Injury Cases

What Qualifies as Medical Malpractice in a Birth Injury Case?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, and that failure causes harm. In birth injury cases, this can happen before, during, or after delivery. Examples include failing to respond to fetal distress, improper use of delivery tools, or not recognizing signs of complications in time.

Can Medical Malpractice Happen at Birthing Centers?

Yes. Birthing centers are medical facilities that must follow safety protocols just like hospitals. If staff members at a birthing center fail to monitor the mother or baby properly, delay a necessary transfer to a hospital, or use equipment incorrectly, that may be grounds for a malpractice claim.

What Are Some Prenatal Care mistakes that can lead to birth Injuries?

Common prenatal mistakes include not diagnosing maternal conditions like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, missing signs of growth problems, failing to order needed tests, and prescribing unsafe medications. These errors can create dangerous conditions that may lead to injuries during birth.

How Long Do I Have to File a Birth Injury Malpractice Claim in Connecticut?

In most cases, you must file a medical malpractice claim within two years after the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered, and no later than three years from when the malpractice occurred. There are exceptions to this rule, and it is always best to consult with our medical malpractice attorneys as soon as possible.

Does it Cost Anything to Have Tremont Sheldon P.C. Review My Birth Injury Case?

No. We offer free consultations for birth injury malpractice cases. We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you will pay no attorney's fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Contact Our Bridgeport Birth Injury Attorneys

At Tremont Sheldon P.C., we have helped families across Connecticut pursue accountability for birth injuries and secure the resources needed for their children's future. Contact our Bridgeport, CT birth injury and medical malpractice lawyers at 203-335-5145 to schedule a free consultation.