If your child exhibits signs of intrauterine growth delays, it may be a sign of a birth injury caused by medical malpractice. While we understand that a lawsuit may be the last thing on your mind during this challenging time, it is critical to seek the assistance of a dedicated Baltimore birth injury attorney who can explore the facts of your case. If your child is dealing with a devastating condition, you may be left feeling helpless and unsure of your next steps, but we are here to assist you. At the Arfaa Law Group, we carefully help our clients understand their rights and options.
Assert Your Rights Following an Intrauterine Growth Delay Caused by Medical MalpracticeIntrauterine growth delay, also referred to as intrauterine growth retardation or restriction (IUGR), is a condition in which the infant fails to grow at the expected rate during pregnancy, weighing less than the 10th percentile for the normal weight range. The abdominal circumference is generally less than the 2.5th percentile. Throughout pregnancy, physicians should monitor a baby’s growth, identify IUGR if it is present, and come up with a plan accordingly.
A physician may be liable for medical malpractice if they prescribe an antidepressant or any other drug that may adversely affect the fetus, fail to detect IUGH during prenatal exams, fail to administer the care that is needed once IUGR is detected, or fail to perform a premature delivery of the baby if it is necessary to prevent developmental delays.
A doctor may be liable for medical malpractice if they fail to catch IUGR under circumstances in which a reasonably prudent doctor would have detected it, and the result caused harm to the baby. Put another way, a physician may be deemed negligent if they deviated from the standard of care that another physician in the same specialty would have used in the same situation. It is important to note that the standard of care will vary from patient to patient, based on a number of factors, one of which would be the patient’s medical history.
Maryland law allows plaintiffs to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages typically include medical expenses, future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages. Non-economic damages refer to losses that are harder to quantify, such as pain and suffering and disfigurement and scarring. Maryland does impose a cap on non-economic damages. In 2016, the non-economic damages cap for personal injury and wrongful death cases is $815,000.
Consult a Baltimore Attorney for a Birth Injury ClaimIf your child has suffered a birth injury due to the negligence of a medical professional, we can help. At the Arfaa Law Group, medical malpractice attorney Julia Arfaa can work diligently to prepare your case and establish your claim. We understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll that a birth injury may take on a family, and we treat each client with the utmost compassion. We represent people across the state of Maryland. To set up a free consultation with a Baltimore birth injury lawyer, call 410-889-1850 or contact us online.