Failure to Diagnose Maternal Infections

When a family eagerly awaits the arrival of a new baby, the last thing they expect is for preventable medical errors to cause harm. Yet, the failure to diagnose maternal infections is a leading cause of birth injuries in Philadelphia and across the country. These missed diagnoses can turn a joyous time into a life-altering ordeal for both the mother and child. If you or your child suffered harm due to a healthcare provider’s oversight, a Philadelphia birth injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and pursue justice.

What Is a Maternal Infection and Why Diagnosis Matters

Maternal infections are illnesses detected during pregnancy, labor, or delivery that can impact the health of both mother and baby. Common examples include urinary tract infections, chorioamnionitis, group B strep, cytomegalovirus, rubella, and herpes simplex virus. Many of these infections can be treated easily when caught early. However, if a doctor or nurse fails to notice signs or ignores complaints, the infection may pass to the unborn child, sometimes causing lifelong harm.

Failing to diagnose these infections may lead to serious complications, including premature birth, brain damage, cerebral palsy, or even infant death. Quick and accurate diagnosis, along with proper treatment, can prevent most of these outcomes. Medical teams have a duty to check for infection, especially if a mother shows fever, pain, or other warning signs. When providers overlook these symptoms, the consequences can be devastating.

How Failure to Diagnose Infections Leads to Birth Injuries

A missed maternal infection can set off a chain reaction during pregnancy or delivery. For instance, group B strep is a common bacteria that lives in the birth canal. If not detected and treated with antibiotics during labor, it can pass to the baby and cause sepsis, meningitis, or pneumonia. Other infections, like herpes simplex, can lead to severe brain injuries if the mother’s status isn’t checked and managed appropriately.

The consequences of a missed infection may include:

• Brain damage, leading to conditions like cerebral palsy
• Sepsis or blood poisoning in the newborn
• Hearing or vision loss
• Need for emergency delivery or neonatal intensive care
• Long-term disabilities or developmental delays

These injuries often require ongoing care, therapy, and medical expenses. A Philly birth injury attorney can help families hold healthcare providers accountable for their mistakes and recover compensation for these lifelong needs.

Signs That an Infection Was Missed

Parents may not know right away that a medical team missed a maternal infection. Some signs appear at birth, while others develop over time. Here’s what families should watch for:

• The mother experienced fever, chills, pain, or odd discharge during pregnancy or labor, and wasn’t properly tested or treated.
• The baby was born prematurely without a clear explanation.
• The newborn developed breathing issues, seizures, unusual lethargy, or feeding problems soon after birth.
• Your child is diagnosed with brain damage, hearing loss, or cerebral palsy without a clear cause.

If you notice any of these red flags, consult a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer experienced in birth injury cases. A skilled attorney can review your medical records, consult with medical professionals, and determine whether your medical team acted appropriately.

How a Birth Injury Lawyer Can Help After a Missed Infection

Taking legal action after a failure to diagnose maternal infection can seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. A birth injury lawyer can guide you through the process. Here’s how they help:

• Investigate your medical records to see if the provider followed proper procedures.
• Consult with medical professionals to determine if the infection was detectable and preventable.
• Calculate the lifelong costs of care, therapy, special education, and lost earning potential for your child.
• File a claim or lawsuit to hold the responsible parties accountable.
• Negotiate with insurance companies and hospitals to pursue the compensation your family deserves.

The right lawyer can make a meaningful difference. They will fight for your family’s financial security and help ensure you have the resources needed to care for your child’s unique needs.

Preventing Future Birth Injuries from Missed Infections

Hospitals and clinics can prevent many birth injuries by following strict infection screening protocols. Expectant mothers should receive regular checkups and clear instructions on warning signs. Providers should act quickly on symptoms and perform recommended tests, including:

• Routine urine and blood screenings
• Group B strep testing in the third trimester
• Monitoring for fever, abnormal pain, or discharge
• Immediate attention to any reports of illness or infection during pregnancy

If you feel your concerns were ignored or you were not given the proper tests, you have the right to seek answers. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or get a second opinion. If harm occurred, a cerebral palsy lawyer or birth injury attorney can help you understand if your case involves medical negligence.

FAQs About Failure to Diagnose Maternal Infections and Birth Injuries in Philadelphia

What compensation can a family receive for a birth injury caused by a missed maternal infection?
Families may recover compensation for medical expenses, therapy and rehabilitation, future care, special education, pain and suffering, and lost future income. Every case is unique, and a Philadelphia birth injury lawyer can estimate the full value of your claim based on your child’s needs.

How long do I have to file a birth injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania?
In most cases, Pennsylvania law allows two years from the date you knew or should have known about the injury to file a lawsuit. For children, the time may be extended until their 20th birthday. However, acting quickly helps preserve evidence and strengthens your case.

Do I need to prove the doctor’s actions directly caused my child’s injury?
Yes, proving medical negligence involves showing the doctor owed you a duty, failed to meet the standard of care, and that this failure directly caused harm. An experienced Philly birth injury attorney can gather expert testimony and evidence to build your case.

Can I file a claim if my child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy after a missed infection?
Yes. If a missed infection led to brain injury or cerebral palsy, you can pursue a claim. A cerebral palsy lawyer can help determine liability and work to recover compensation for your child’s long-term needs.

Other Resources About Causes & Risk Factors for Birth Injuries

• Failure to Monitor Fetal Heart Rate Malpractice
• Failure to Diagnose Maternal Infections
• Preterm Birth and Neonatal Malpractice
• Improper Use of Forceps or Vacuum Extractor
• Delayed Cesarean Section & Birth Injury Risks
• Umbilical Cord Complications and Legal Rights
• Placental Abruption or Previa Malpractice Claims
• Gestational Diabetes & Birth Injury Liability
• Pitocin/Oxytocin Misuse and Birth Outcomes
• Medical Negligence Leading to Birth Injuries