Medical staff must act quickly and carefully during childbirth. When they delay action during delivery, the baby and mother may suffer serious harm.
If you or your baby experience birth injuries caused by slow or poor decision-making, you have the right to pursue a medical malpractice claim. Learning more about how delayed action happens during delivery will help you support your claim with appropriate evidence.
Why does delayed medical action happen during delivery?
Many birth injuries occur when a doctor fails to monitor the baby’s condition during labor. For example, if the baby shows signs of distress or an irregular heart rate, medical staff must take quick steps to protect the baby. In some cases, doctors may need to order an emergency cesarean section. A delay in making that decision can lead to oxygen loss, which may cause brain damage or lifelong conditions like cerebral palsy.
Other delays may involve using delivery tools. For example, a doctor may need to use forceps or a vacuum extractor to assist with delivery. If the doctor waits too long or uses the tools incorrectly, the baby may suffer head injuries or nerve damage.
How does delayed action harm the mother?
A doctor who fails to control heavy bleeding or treat an infection quickly may place the mother’s life at risk. These errors can happen when staff ignore warning signs or wait too long to take action.
Understanding the risks of delayed action during childbirth can help your family stay informed and ask important questions. Medical professionals must prepare for emergencies and act quickly to prevent harm. When they fail to do so, Pennsylvania law allows those affected to seek justice and support for their losses.