Nashville Fetal Distress Attorney
Failure to Monitor Fetal Heartbeat Claims in Tennessee
When going through the pain of labor and childbirth, mothers have enough to worry about. It is the responsibility of their doctors and nurses to make sure they are paying attention to the equipment designed to monitor the status and health of the child, both before and during birth.
The state-of-the-art fetal monitoring equipment now in place in most hospitals should eliminate most instances of serious birth injury or wrongful death. However, doctors and nurses fail to pay attention to this monitoring equipment on occasion, greatly increasing the risk to the children.
Did your child suffer fetal distress as a result of medical negligence? If so, we encourage you to call Kinnard Law for a free consultation: (615) 933-2893.
What Can Happen When a Doctor Fails to Monitor Fetal Heartbeat?
An obstetrician or physician does not have one patient but two when examining a pregnant woman. Doctors are responsible for providing comprehensive care for both mother and child, so it is important for them to monitor the vital signs, especially the heart rate, of both patients. If they fail to monitor a baby’s heart rate, they put both patients at risk.
Common results of failing to monitor fetal heartbeat include:
- Neurological Injury – The heart pumps blood throughout the body, which carries oxygen. If the brain does not receive the appropriate amount of oxygen, the baby may sustain brain injuries. This can affect the way they process information, their motor skills, and potentially their life.
- Placental Abruption – Placental abruption occurs when the placenta partially or completely separates from the uterine wall prematurely. The baby receives key nutrients from the placenta. Thus, when the separation occurs, the fetus can go into distress. The baby’s heart rate can signify the abruption.
- Prolapsed Umbilical Cord – The umbilical cord connects the baby and mother together. It is a tube-like structure that carries nutrients and oxygen to the fetus. During a prolapse, the umbilical cord drops ahead of the baby through the open cervix. The baby can press down on the cord, which can reduce oxygen. The heart rate can alert doctors to this form of distress.
- Hypoxia / Anoxia – Hypoxia refers to the event where less oxygen is reaching the baby, while anoxia means there is no oxygen reaching the vessels. A baby’s heart rate will change if they do not receive enough oxygen. If doctors fail to monitor the heart, this event can lead to serious brain injuries.
Seeking Compensation for Injuries Caused by Fetal Monitoring Negligence
At Kinnard Law, we have more than 150 years of combined experience helping our clients obtain compensation for injuries caused by negligence. With the medical and legal complexities involved in birth injury litigation, it is essential to work with an experienced legal team. If you or your child sustained serious injuries because your physician did not monitor heart rates, contact our Nashville fetal distress attorneys today.
We have the experience to recognize failure to monitor fetal distress as a cause for:
- Erb's palsy
- Cerebral palsy
- Brain damage
- Umbilical cord compression
- Reduced blood flow
Contact Our Nashville Fetal Distress Lawyers
From record-setting verdicts to national awards, Randall L. Kinnard has earned a powerhouse reputation in the legal industry. Recent honors include "Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year for Nashville 2011, 2013 & 2017" and induction into the Inner Circle of Advocates, a group of the top 100 plaintiff trial attorneys in the United States. As a firm, we have also received numerous awards and honors.
Did your doctor fail to properly monitor your baby's heart rate during labor, leading to birth injuries? Our Nashville fetal distress attorneys fight for compensation for children harmed by fetal monitoring negligence. Contact us today at (615) 933-2893 or online for a free consultation.
Verdicts & Settlements
Unmatched Dedication Has Led To Record-Setting Victories
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$55 Million Personal Injury
Erin Andrews awarded $55 million in lawsuit against hotel.
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$22.2 Million Medical Malpractice
Bette Donathan was in an automobile accident in Winchester, Tennessee. She had a broken leg.
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$15.2 Million Medical Malpractice
Randy Kinnard and Mary Ellen Morris of Kinnard Law obtained the largest verdict in Weakley County history for their 23 year-old client.
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$6.5 Million Medical Malpractice
A woman went into the hospital for a tubal ligation. The doctor put a small hole in her large colon during the procedure and did not recognize it.
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$5 Million Wrongful Death
On October 2, 2014, a Nashville jury held a pediatric clinic and local hospital accountable for the wrongful death of 22-month-old Ryder Laurent.
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"These are the professionals that you want fighting for you and the people you love!"The legal team at Kinnard Law worked diligently to get my family compensation following a malpractice suit.- Lauren Price Cook
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"Integrity, above and beyond."This Law Firm has proven itself as absolutely professional, goal oriented, kind and compassionate in the past several years during my case.- H.W.
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"In the hardest two years of my life, you provided the utmost trust, comfort, and support."Thank you Randy, Jennifer, and Cynthia so much for not only helping me get through what has been the hardest time of my life, but for always providing grace, trust, and a sense of comfort for what felt like an eternity.- T.H.
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