Neonatology Malpractice

When families entrust medical professionals with the care of their newborns, they expect nothing less than competent and compassionate treatment. Neonatology, the branch of medicine that deals with the care of newborns, especially those born prematurely or with health complications, is a highly specialized field requiring precise judgment and attention to detail. Unfortunately, mistakes in neonatology care can and do occur, often with life-altering consequences for infants and their families. If your child suffered harm due to a neonatologist’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation, and you should seek legal advice. The skillful Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys at Arfaa Law Group are committed to helping victims of neonatology malpractice pursue justice and accountability, and if you engage our services, we will advocate tirelessly on your behalf.

Neonatology malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider entrusted with the care of a newborn fails to meet the standard of care required in their profession, resulting in harm to the baby. Neonatologists are responsible for diagnosing and managing a range of conditions, including respiratory distress, neonatal infections, congenital abnormalities, and complications related to prematurity. Errors in diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring can lead to severe and sometimes permanent consequences.

Common examples of neonatology malpractice include failure to recognize signs of infection, delayed treatment for respiratory distress, improper administration of medications, and failure to address complications from hypoxia (lack of oxygen). These errors can result in outcomes such as cerebral palsy, developmental delays, organ damage, or, tragically, death.

For families, the consequences of neonatology malpractice go beyond the physical injuries to the child. Parents often face significant emotional distress and financial strain as they grapple with the costs of long-term medical care and therapy. When these outcomes result from a healthcare provider’s negligence, pursuing legal action can help families secure the resources they need for their child’s future.

In Maryland, plaintiffs in medical malpractice cases generally must prove that the defendant provider was negligent. In the context of neonatology malpractice, this means demonstrating that the neonatologist failed to uphold the accepted standard of care and that this failure resulted in the child’s injuries.

Negligence comprises four elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. Duty refers to a healthcare provider’s obligation to adhere to the standard of care expected of reasonably competent professionals in their field. For neonatologists, this includes recognizing and managing risks unique to newborns and intervening when complications arise.

A breach occurs when a defendant fails to meet this standard of care. For example, if a neonatologist neglects to monitor a newborn for signs of distress or misdiagnoses a serious condition, it may constitute a breach.

The plaintiff must also prove that the defendant’s breach of the duty owed caused their child’s injuries. For instance, if a neonatologist failed to administer surfactant to a premature baby experiencing respiratory distress syndrome, and the delay led to permanent lung damage, the breach could be directly linked to the harm. Last, the plaintiff has to demonstrate that the breach of duty caused measurable losses.

Expert testimony is critical in neonatology malpractice cases. Medical experts can provide opinions on what the standard of care required, how the provider’s actions fell short, and how proper care would have prevented the harm. A skilled attorney will work closely with these experts to build a strong case on your behalf.

Maryland law allows plaintiffs in medical malpractice cases to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages encompass measurable financial losses, such as hospital bills, therapy costs, and the expense of assistive devices or specialized education. Families can also recover future medical expenses if the child requires lifelong care as a result of their injuries.

Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Maryland law caps non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases, and the amount varies depending on when the malpractice occurred. However, the cap does not apply to economic damages, which can be substantial in cases involving severe neonatal injuries.

The aftermath of neonatology malpractice can be overwhelming, but many families harmed by such grave errors can seek redress via claims against the providers responsible for their losses. If your child is a victim of neonatology malpractice, you should meet with an attorney to evaluate your options as soon as possible. The experienced Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys of Arfaa Law Group have the knowledge and resources needed to obtain successful outcomes in claims against negligent providers, and if we represent you, we will fight to help you seek justice. Our office is conveniently located in Baltimore, and we proudly serve clients throughout the area. You can call us today at (410) 889-1850 or reach out through our online form to schedule a consultation.