There are many forms of loss people must deal with throughout life, but none is as heartbreaking as that of pregnancy and infant loss. There is an incredible need for support and recognition of how deeply this type of loss can impact a person. October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. It is also an important time to reflect, support, and understand these tragedies as best as possible.
For families who lost a loved one, it is also critical to know your legal rights. While that may not be the most important factor right now, a birth injury attorney in Washington, D.C. can help you gain closure by holding those who hurt your loved one accountable.
Why Pregnancy Loss Awareness Month Matters
October is recognized across the country as a time to break the silence that often surrounds these devastating deaths. That includes miscarriages, stillbirths, SIDS, and infant loss. Each of these outcomes can occur for many reasons, but they all result in incredible heartbreak and, often, unanswered questions about why this happened. Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is an annual day of remembrance observed on October 15.
Many people ask questions about why this occurred, if they could have done something to prevent it, or if someone else is responsible. It is also a time when people need to spread awareness so that other families can take potential steps to avoid preventable outcomes. The importance of support is hard to overestimate.
Common Causes of Pregnancy and Infant Loss
Not all pregnancy and infant deaths are preventable. Many of them occur as a result of natural causes, including genetic conditions, preterm birth, and complications that occur from these situations. In short, it is not always clear that you could have done anything to prevent what happened.
There are other situations, though, where you need to consider those terrifying “what if” questions. Some of the most common preventable causes of pregnancy and infant loss include the following:
- Medical errors made by doctors or nurses during the pregnancy or delivery process.
- Failure to diagnose maternal conditions, including diabetes or other conditions that should be monitored in traditional pregnancy screenings.
- Labor and delivery negligence often results from failure to provide care as expected.
In each of these situations, there is no guarantee that someone was at fault. However, you do not want to go through your life wondering. For that reason, work with a pregnancy loss lawyer. Get the information you need to know that your child received justice.
The Role of Medical Negligence
Mistakes can happen in pregnancy, labor, or neonatal care for many reasons. These mistakes can lead to a child not receiving the attention and care they need. These factors may cause or contribute to the child’s death. There are dozens of ways this can happen. Some of the most common we see include:
- Failure to monitor fetal distress: Best practices have mothers monitored closely to determine if the child is entering a risky situation. Early detection of distress allows for medical intervention to occur sooner.
- Mismanagement of high-risk pregnancies: Your doctor should have a comprehensive understanding of your health history, as well as any factors that make you a higher risk for complications or risks to the child. If they fail to gather that information or use it in decision-making, that could be malpractice.
- Delayed C-sections: Hospitals are busy places, but when an emergency occurs, a C-section should not be put off. If delays occurred for preventable reasons, the hospital or doctors could be negligent.
Infant loss due to medical negligence can be challenging to prove. Your attorney will have better access to information and resources to help you build that case and claim.
Family Rights After a Pregnancy Loss
One of the most challenging aspects of pregnancy loss or infant death is the unknown. You do not know what happened, or you may not have any idea why it occurred. Families may be entitled to answers as to what occurred; however, unless you work with a stillbirth malpractice attorney, that may be challenging.
However, your attorney will have resources and legal insights into medical malpractice that can help you. That includes knowing what your rights are, but also understanding when mistakes happen. Doctors and hospitals may not share with you what occurred, and they may not tell you that something went wrong. That means you may have no idea what occurred in reality.
Finding Healing and Support
Finding help allows you to heal. You can find support for grieving families after infant loss in many ways. Turn to local support groups or get professional counseling. Community events like the “Wave of Light” on October 15 can also be an important way to get the support you need. You do not have to grieve alone.
FAQs About Pregnancy Loss
What is the most common cause of stillbirth?
The most common cause is placental problems, including insufficient blood flow and genetic tissues.
Can you sue a hospital if your baby dies?
Yes, you can seek legal action against a hospital or provider if they failed to provide proper care and that caused the loss of your child. This is complex to prove, and it’s best to work with an attorney who can help you build a stronger case moving forward.
What is the most common reason for pediatric malpractice claims?
The most common forms include misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. Failing to diagnose conditions such as sepsis or congenital heart defects is an avoidable complication in some situations. The onset of conditions like meningitis can also play a role.
Talk to a Washington, D.C. Birth Injury Attorney: Let the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates Help
Speak to us if you believe something went wrong or if you need more information. Our Washington, D.C. birth injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates can help. Call 202-223-4488 or contact us online for a free consultation. We are located in Washington, D.C.
