Risks of Failing to Monitor Fetal Heartbeat

Throughout an entire pregnancy, a doctor should pay close attention and monitor both mother and baby. This includes checking to make sure the vitals — including heartbeat — of the baby are stable. Unfortunately, there are instances in which a doctor fails to monitor the heartbeat of the fetus, thereby creating a possibility of a missed diagnosis or delayed treatment.

The fetal heartbeat provides information regarding a baby’s health and will alert a doctor to any problems he or she may be experiencing. When the heartbeat is not monitored correctly, and as a result, a dangerous condition is not recognized and treated promptly, a baby can sustain brain damage, reduced blood flow, compression of the umbilical cord, or death. These situations can lead to cerebral palsy and other permanent and catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong care and treatment.

In cases where a doctor fails to provide proper monitoring, there may be legal action available to the mother and family of the baby. If a birth injury occurs as a result of a failure to timely diagnose and treat a child in utero, it is important to make sure you understand your rights and know what legal options you have.

The Chicago birth injury lawyers at Power Rogers & Smith, L.L.P. know what kind of impact failure to monitor fetal heartbeat can have on a baby. We take the necessary steps to build a strong case against the responsible party. Doctors are human and they may make mistakes, but when these mistakes cause serious injury to someone else, they should be held accountable.

We have helped recover more than $3 billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients and have successfully handled many catastrophic birth injury cases. Call our firm today and learn how we may be able to help you.