OB-GYN “Never Events” Cause Serious Birth Injuries

You have countless concerns as a parent waiting to welcome your child into the world, from keeping yourself healthy and preparing the baby’s room to getting finances in order for another family member. The one thing you should never worry about is medical errors made by Florida healthcare providers. The most egregious mistakes are termed “never events,” defined by the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) as adverse incidents that are unambiguous, preventable, and serious – leading to death or permanent disability of the baby or mother.

Never events are so inexcusable that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will not pay reimbursement when they occur. These errors may also form the basis of a medical malpractice claim, an important remedy for families whose lives are forever traumatized by a provider’s malpractice. A Miami birth injuries attorney can explain your legal options in more detail if you were affected through a never event by an OB-GYN.

Failure to Assess for Pregnancy-Related Medical Conditions 

The mother may have an ailment or medical issue either caused by or exacerbated by pregnancy, and it is up to health care providers to assess these risks and provide appropriate preventative care. The most common maternal prenatal conditions include:

• Prior uterine surgery;
• Gestational diabetes;
• Preeclampsia;
• Renal disease; and
• Autoimmune disorders. 

Mishandling the Infant 

Your baby has undergone significant trauma during labor, so attending medical personnel must be delicate and take extreme care when handling the baby after birth. You can guess that dropping your infant is a never event, but there may also be malpractice issues with rough handling or not properly supporting the baby’s head. 

Medication Errors 

There are several basic principles of medication administration, and mistakes can have devastating consequences. The most common errors include giving the mother or infant the wrong medication, dose, administration route, or timing. 

Improper Use of Instruments 

Physicians may rely on forceps, a vacuum extractor, or other birth assistive devices during a particularly difficult labor. Using too much force or otherwise mishandling these instruments can lead to serious harm to the infant. 

Not Making a Timely Call for C-Section 

A doctor must make the decision for a C-section during the proper time window, since delays can lead to severe injuries or death. It may even be necessary to make the call during pregnancy if mother and/or infant would be distressed during a vaginal delivery, such as because of a medical condition.

A Florida Birth Injuries Lawyer Will Explain Applicable Laws

OB-GYN “never events” and other errors by health care providers can be devastating, and if  you may qualify to recover compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. For more information on your legal remedies, please contact Freidin Brown, P.A. to set up a free consultation at our offices in Miami or Fort Myers, FL. A birth injuries attorney can advise you on options after reviewing your situation.

Resource:

psnet.ahrq.gov/primer/never-events