If you're pregnant, obtaining prenatal care is critical to ensure the health of you and your baby. The failure to diagnose medical issues – such as the presence of an infection – can lead to significant, potentially life long difficulties and disabilities for your child. Where an obstetrician or other medical professional provides negligent prenatal care and as a result, your child suffers harm, he or she may be found liable for medical malpractice. In these instances, consulting with a skilled Los Angeles prenatal negligence attorney is crucial to begin an investigation and determine your next steps.
One area where proper prenatal care is critical is the diagnosis of infections. Two common infections - chorioamnionitis and Group B streptococcal septicemia (GBS) – which if present in a mother, may be passed down to an infant and lead to life long, debilitating health concerns.
A misdiagnosis of chorioamnionitis may lead to learning disabilities and potentially even cerebral palsy, often requiring a lifetime of medical care and rehabilitation. Additionally, the presence of GBS may lead to a baby developing meningitis, hearing loss or other developmental concerns. In the worst case, the effects may be fatal.
Proper prenatal care can be used to diagnose and treat these infections before such devastating consequences occur.
If you have questions about prenatal negligence or believe that your child has suffered harm as the result of a physician's failure to provide adequate medical care, please contact the experienced and compassionate Los Angeles medical malpractice lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP for an immediate consultation.
