Why birth injuries occur
Many injuries related to errors caused by medical professionals while inducing labor involve the pharmaceutical drug Pitocin. This medication is a synthetic imitation of the natural hormone oxytocin. Physicians often use Pitocin to start labor, or to induce or accelerate contractions during the birthing process. The primary benefits of Pitocin are:
- Pitocin allows women to experience natural childbirth as opposed to having a C-section.
- Pitocin can speed up the labor and delivery process considerably.
Our law firm represents people in Illinois, Wisconsin, and throughout the United States who have been harmed because of Pitocin errors. Our firm has a registered nurse on staff, a complete medical library and experienced lawyers fully committed to understanding the medicine behind these cases. That way, we can present the strongest case possible and challenge any medical experts who may testify against you.
Risks of using Pitocin
When administered correctly and monitored carefully, the drug works and all is well. However, when too much Pitocin is used, or when it is used for too long, the corresponding decrease in uterine blood flow may reduce the baby’s oxygen to the point where permanent birth-related injuries such as cerebral palsy or hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy occur.
When Pitocin is used, electronic fetal monitoring becomes absolutely necessary for both mother and child. Pitocin’s primary risk to unborn babies comes from the decreases in blood supply and oxygen levels often associated with its use. When not monitored carefully, this can lead to various types of hypoxic or anoxic birth injuries, including cerebral palsy.
Some of the mother-specific risks involved with the use of Pitocin include more painful contractions (something that often means taking pain medications during labor as well), uterine rupture and water intoxication. Pitocin can also cause premature laceration of the cervix or post-birth hemorrhaging.
Take action. Assert your rights
Don’t wait to take legal action if you or a loved one sustained serious injuries due to mistakes made by medical professionals while inducing labor. Under Illinois and Wisconsin law, there are deadlines (known as the statute of limitations) for filing a lawsuit against health care providers.
We know the deadlines and understand how the legal system works. That’s because our experienced birth injury attorneys have been helping families get the money they need and deserve for more than 40 years.
If Pitocin was used during the delivery of your child and an unexpected negative medical outcome occurred, talk to us. We offer free consultations and can provide you with a detailed, honest assessment of your potential claims. To start the process, call 800-564-1707 or contact us online.
