Top Reasons for Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Against OB-GYN Practitioners
As experienced Miami, Florida birth injury attorneys, we know the range of things that can go wrong in those critical moments when a baby is delivered into the world. Obstetricians, physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel all have an important role to play to ensure that a newborn arrives safely and without injury. Now a study released last year reveals the most common types of medical malpractice errors that occur in obstetrical care in the U.S.
The report, conducted by CRICO Strategies of Cambridge, Mass., found that the most common reasons for childbirth injury related medical malpractice lawsuits are as follows:
(1) Errors in clinical judgment
(2) Miscommunication between doctors
(3) Technical errors
The study looked at some 120,000 clinically coded medical malpractice claims from 2005 through 2009. Errors in clinical judgment were found in more than three-quarters of cases examined (77 percent), followed by miscommunications (36 percent), technical errors (26 percent), inadequate documentation (26 percent), administrative failures (23 percent), and ineffective supervision (15 percent). In addition, the study found that the top three most common OB risks or allegations were delay in treatment of fetal distress, improper performance of vaginal delivery, and improper management of pregnancy.
A shoulder dystocia is one type of child birth delivery complication that if not properly handled, can lead to injury and conditions affecting the child's movement and coordination. Shoulder dystocia occurs during vaginal delivery when the infant's shoulder becomes "stuck" inside the mother, causing difficulties. These types of birth complications are more common in large babies, mothers who have problems with diabetes and/or obesity, and moms who have had difficult vaginal births and/or large babies in the past.
Conditions resulting from shoulder dystocia injury during childbirth may include Erb's Palsy and Brachial Plexus Palsy in the child. The mother may also experience injuries during child birth if a shoulder dystocia is handled improperly and with excessive force by medical practitioners.
The report came to a conclusion that a Miami birth injuries lawyer experienced in these types of cases would agree with: "… OB malpractice issues are rarely the result of a single act or omission by a single clinician."
Related Florida Injury Attorney resources:
Q&A with Florida Erb's Palsy Injury Lawyer Debi Chalik
Birth Trauma and Child Injury : Study on Young Patients' Safety in Hospitals Identifies Risk Factors (Nov. 18, 2011)
Shoulder Dystocia and Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries Can Be Reduced by Following Medical Protocol, Report for Physicians Says (March 12, 2011)
Sources:
CRICO Strategies' Report on Malpractice Errors in Obstetrical Care Provides Roadmap for Enhanced Patient Safety
Marketwire via Yahoo! Finance June 2011
CRICO Strategies Annual Benchmarking Report: Malpractice Risks in Obstetrics
Related Web Resource:
Miami-Dade County and other South Florida families who think their child may have been injured during the birthing delivery process due to medical negligence or malpractice should contact an experienced personal injury attorney to consult on whether they may have a case or claim. Please contact us toll free at 888.539.5297.
