Miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss are heartbreaking events that change the course of a family’s life for years to come. Not all losses are preventable. However, learning that your child’s death did not have to happen adds even more intense pain to the situation.
Many families need emotional and mental health support long before they are ready to investigate what happened to their child. That is absolutely acceptable. But as you move forward and are ready to seek justice, let the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates work for you. Contact us to request a free consultation.
“After a stillbirth or infant death, families deserve compassion, support, and clear answers. Although not every loss is preventable, parents should never be left wondering whether warning signs were missed or appropriate medical care was delayed. A careful review of the medical records can help families better understand what happened and determine whether a preventable error contributed to their loss.”
– Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to showing support for grieving families. It is also an opportunity to discuss the causes and impact that infant mortality from any cause, including SIDs and birth injuries, can have on families.
Birth injury and infant loss are emotionally impactful events that do not simply improve. Most parents benefit from one-on-one counseling and support during this time. As you focus on healing, know our team is ready to help you manage the legal ramifications of this incident. That includes navigating stillbirth medical malpractice.
Not every tragic outcome comes from medical negligence. Yet, newborn medical malpractice often plays a role in the outcome. Consider the following common questions many families have related to pregnancy and infant loss.
Common Questions Families Have After Miscarriage, Stillbirth or Infant Loss
Does a lack of prenatal care cause stillbirths?
Prenatal care is an important part of ensuring the health and well-being of mother and baby. If your doctor failed to take steps to test or monitor your health or that of a child during pregnancy, reach out to an attorney to discuss whether negligence occurred.
How do you know if your doctor missed key warning signs during pregnancy?
It can be very hard to know if your doctor missed key signs or if they failed to inform you of a concern. For example, look for signs such as:
- Missing information or statements about the child’s birth.
- Conflicting accounts of what happened between doctors and nurses.
- Your doctor is no longer available to you.
- Your child has serious injuries or lost their life during birth, and there was no indication prior to the birth that this could occur.
How do I know if my labor and delivery was normal or that my child’s injury was not malpractice?
If you are unsure if your labor and delivery services were inferior, turn to an attorney first. Before bringing this to your doctor’s attention, ask a physician-attorney to gather information for you.
When is newborn care medical malpractice?
If a provider does not provide the standard level of care another provider would, with the same access to information and resources, that could be negligence.
Is SIDS a preventable condition?
Note that SIDS is a common form of newborn death. However, SIDS is not typically related to medical malpractice unless you can demonstrate that the event occurred as a direct result of a provider’s negligence.
Steps for Families Who Want Answers
In situations where you want to find out if an infant death was medical negligence, we encourage you to take these steps:
- Request medical records. Use these documents to help you gain better insight into what happened. Your attorney will review them with you.
- Write down a timeline of what occurred. Document any insights provided, such as concerns about the child’s size or location.
- Ask care team questions. This includes asking them to explain the findings.
Most importantly, turn to an attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer works to gather critical evidence that may help prove your case and help you seek justice for your loved one.
An Attorney-Physician Offers Critical Insight to These Tough Questions
When you hire a physician-attorney, you gain critical insight that can answer many of your questions. Your attorney, with a medical background, will review the medical evidence and details to build a clear record of mistakes and oversights. They will review your legal questions and help you determine if someone’s negligence contributed to your incredible losses.
Put Your Future First: Know When to Get Help
During Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, take the steps you need to take now to get answers. That includes reaching out to an attorney to discuss whether stillbirth medical malpractice occurred. In addition to that, make sure you seek grief support. Organizations such as Stillborn and Infant Loss Support can offer guidance during this critical time.
Get Help for Newborn Medical Malpractice from the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates
Stillbirth medical malpractice is a devastating outcome no parent deserves. You need answers and knowledge about your rights. We can help you. Contact the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates to discuss your case with an attorney who understands medical requirements and loss.
Request a free consultation to review your child’s loss and determine if it was a preventable stillbirth. Call us at 202-223-4488 or contact us online for a free case evaluation. Our firm serves all of Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland.
FAQs About Infant Loss
My doctor didn’t track fetal movement. Is that negligence?
Fetal movement during labor and delivery is an important part of knowing how stable the child is. If your doctor failed to provide this care, consult an attorney.
Are stillbirths preventable?
Not all stillbirths can be prevented. A large share of them, though, even as high as half or more, may be prevented with timely action and quality care during the pregnancy and labor and delivery.
When should I contact a stillbirth medical malpractice attorney?
If your child died unexpectedly, especially if you believe there was some level of negligence involved, turn to an attorney. Even if you are unsure whether you have a case, your attorney can answer critical questions.
