Many people have trouble conceiving a child or maintaining a pregnancy, and turn to specialists for assistance. Reproductive endocrinologists, commonly referred to as fertility specialists, are doctors trained in the practice of diagnosing and treating fertility issues. While they provide invaluable services to people who cannot conceive naturally, their practice area is complex and requires intense attention to detail. When a reproductive endocrinologist fails to exercise the proper care in treating a patient, it can, unfortunately, result in an injury to the person's child. If your child suffered an injury at birth due to inadequate care provided by a reproductive endocrinologist, it is wise to speak to legal counsel regarding your potential claims. The seasoned Baltimore birth injury lawyers of Arfaa Law Group are adept at helping families contending with birth injuries seek compensation for their harm, and we will work tirelessly to help you pursue any damages you are permitted to recover under the law.
Reproductive Endocrinologist Malpractice Causing Birth InjuriesReproductive endocrinologists provide an array of services designed to treat infertility. For example, they often conduct testing on people who wish to be parents, and people providing donor eggs or sperm, to determine if they are carriers of inheritable diseases or conditions. Reproductive endocrinologists also conduct genetic testing on embryos to determine the health of the embryo and, if a pregnancy results from the embryo, whether the child is likely to suffer from any congenital illnesses or conditions. When a reproductive endocrinologist fails to perform genetic testing or does not properly interpret test results, it can result in a child being born with a genetic condition, many of which cause severe and permanent difficulties.
Additionally, reproductive endocrinologists often use assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and via in-vitro fertilization (IVF) to assist with conception. Patients rely on their doctors to advise them regarding whether an IUI or IVF procedure is appropriate, and the risks of any procedure. One common risk with ART procedures is multiple births. Physicians have methods to reduce the risks, however, or to counsel patients pregnant with high-level multiples. When a doctor fails to employ these methods, and a woman carries multiple children, it can result in complications and birth injuries associated with carrying and delivering numerous children at one time. A knowledgeable birth injury lawyer can help you determine whether you have a legal claim for any harm your family has suffered under these circumstances.
Pursuing Damages for Reproductive Endocrinologist MalpracticeA parent wishing to recover damages from a reproductive endocrinologist for a birth injury must prove that the doctor directly caused the child’s injury. Generally, this is done via a civil lawsuit alleging the physician was negligent. In the medical malpractice context, a party alleging negligence must show that the defendant medical provider had a duty to provide treatment commensurate with the applicable standard of care and that the duty was breached. The standard of care that applies to a reproductive endocrinologist is the care that a doctor with the same training and experience, practicing in the same specialty, would provide under similar circumstances. Typically, the standard of care and the manner in which the doctor deviated from the standard will need to be established via testimony from a medical expert in the same specialty. Once the party establishes the standard and the breach, he or she must show that the breach proximately caused the child’s birth injury. In other words, the breach must have been a significant factor in bringing about the child’s harm.
Discuss Your Child’s Birth Injury with a Baltimore LawyerMany people treat with fertility specialists with the expectation that the end result will be the birth of a healthy child. Sadly, however, while some reproductive endocrinologists are able to assist with the process of conceiving a child, they unwittingly commit errors that cause the child to be injured at birth. If your child suffered a birth injury because of reproductive endocrinologist malpractice in Baltimore, you can seek legal advice regarding what compensation you and your child may be able to recover. The assertive birth injury attorneys of Arfaa Law Group have the skills and knowledge needed to navigate complicated malpractice cases, and we will work diligently to help you protect your interests. You can contact us at 410-889-1850 or via the form online to set up a complimentary and confidential consultation.