N.C. Woman Alleges Child’s Birth Injury, Death Was Preventable

In 2011, an expectant mother was admitted to Wake Forest Baptist Health-Lexington Medical Center, where, as a result of alleged medical malpractice, she lost her child, according to a recent birth injury lawsuit filed in North Carolina county court.

In her birth injury lawsuit, Krystal Huffman alleges that she was admitted to the hospital around 5 a.m. and was prescribed a painkiller shortly thereafter. In labor for more than 13 hours, her child was born with no noticeable heartbeat and died within an hour of delivery. Hypoxic conditions that allegedly would have been diagnosed had doctors been aware of signs of fetal distress reportedly led to the child dying of asphyxia in the womb.

Two doctors and a midwife are named defendants, as is the Lexington Medical Center. Huffman’s medical malpractice lawsuit alleges that there were numerous instances of fetal distress that should have been noticed by the defendants. While unmentioned in the complaint, parents who have filed medical malpractice lawsuits often use statements from medical experts regarding changes in fetal pulse rate to support their claims.

There are numerous ways that a fetus can struggle with oxygen. The umbilical cord can kink around the neck like a noose and if it is not oriented properly during delivery, it can also result in hypoxic conditions. Many parents who decide to file a birth injury lawsuit allege that the nurses and doctors may in fact monitor vital signs but do not establish a baseline. Each child is different and it can be important for healthcare professionals to look for a change in the heart rate relative to what is perceived as normal.

Otherwise, according to a book on fetal hypoxia published nearly 15 years ago, “electronic fetal monitoring appears to be the most sensitive clinical index of fetal oxygenation available” and should be considered when an infant does not tolerate initial contractions or when other complications arise.

Families who have seen their children face fetal distress during their deliveries may be able to pursue a legal remedy. The first step is to determine whether or not you are eligible to file a birth injury lawsuit. It may help to gather any medical records regarding the pregnancy as well as the efforts of healthcare professionals. More information on this and a legal consultation are available at the Birth Injury Class Action Lawsuit Investigation. Whether as a result of asphyxia or other complications during labor, a birth injury lawsuit attorney will help you understand what options you have and what steps you can take moving forward.