Denver Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Medical Malpractice Lawyers Help Denver Victims
If your newborn has suffered from a serious birth injury after inhaling a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid, you could have a medical malpractice case. For over 40 years, families with children who have suffered birth injuries in Colorado have been helped by the medical malpractice lawyers at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C.
Our firm has won millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients, and attorney Jim Leventhal is one of only 100 lawyers in the United States (and only the third lawyer in Colorado) to achieve membership in The Inner Circle of Advocates. This invitation-only group is comprised of the best plaintiff lawyers in the U.S., with members who are renowned for their exceptional courtroom skills. We have an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and our firm has been recognized by Super Lawyers for providing our clients with outstanding service.
Call (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906 to schedule a no-cost consultation with one of our Denver medical malpractice attorneys today.
What Is Meconium Aspiration Syndrome?
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS) is a serious birth injury that occurs when a newborn inhales a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid into their lungs during the process of labor and delivery. Meconium is the newborn's first stool, and it may be inhaled by the infant. This causes inflammation and severe respiratory distress.
When a fetus experiences stress or a lack of oxygen, often due to complications such as prolonged labor, post-term pregnancy, or maternal health issues, meconium may be released into the amniotic fluid. Immediate medical intervention is crucial to managing MAS and preventing long-term complications for the newborn. This can include suctioning the airways and providing respiratory support.
Diagnosing Meconium Aspiration Syndrome in Denver Newborns
When diagnosing Meconium Aspiration Syndrome, doctors look for specific signs and symptoms during the newborn's physical examination. One of the first indicators is the presence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid observed during labor or delivery. The infant may also appear limp or unusually floppy, indicating muscle weakness or decreased muscle tone.
Healthcare providers must closely monitor the newborn's breathing patterns. One of the key auditory signs is the presence of coarse and crackly breathing sounds, often referred to as rales or crackles, which can be heard through a stethoscope. Doctors may also hear grunting noises, which the newborn makes in an effort to keep the airways open and maintain adequate oxygen levels. These are signs of respiratory distress that require prompt medical attention.
Cyanosis, or a bluish tint to the skin, particularly around the lips and fingertips, is another common symptom, signaling inadequate oxygen levels in the blood. An Apgar score is a medical assessment of a newborn's physical condition, and a low Apgar score may be indicative of MAS. Newborns with MAS might have a slow heart rate and show signs of meconium staining on their skin, nails, or umbilical cord.
To confirm the diagnosis, doctors may perform a chest X-ray, which can reveal areas of the lung that are overinflated or collapsed due to airway obstruction. Blood gas analysis is another diagnostic tool used to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood, indicating impaired lung function.
Common Risk Factors Associated with MAS
MAS is more commonly seen in post-term pregnancies (those going beyond 42 weeks), where the likelihood of meconium-stained amniotic fluid increases. Factors such as fetal distress and infections during pregnancy elevate the risk of MAS.
Low oxygen levels (hypoxia) during labor are another significant risk factor, as they may cause the fetus to gasp and inhale meconium-contaminated fluid. Maternal infections such as chorioamnionitis can further elevate the risk of MAS by causing inflammation and stress. Babies born to mothers with conditions like diabetes or preeclampsia may be at higher risk for MAS.
Early intervention and proper neonatal care can significantly improve outcomes, reducing the risk of long-term complications. Understanding the prevalence of MAS helps highlight the importance of monitoring at-risk pregnancies and preparing for potential neonatal complications.
Birth Injuries and Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
When a newborn inhales meconium, it may cause severe birth injuries, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). This is a chronic lung condition that requires long-term respiratory support and ongoing medical care. The impaired lung function can also limit the child's ability to engage in physical activities, affecting their overall quality of life.
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a condition that arises from prolonged oxygen deprivation, often leading to neurological issues such as intellectual disabilities, sensory processing disorders, and behavioral challenges.
Long-term effects of MAS can include chronic respiratory issues, such as asthma or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a lung condition that may require ongoing medical care and respiratory therapy. In severe cases, MAS can lead to neurological complications like cerebral palsy, which is a group of neurological disorders that impair movement, posture, and cognitive function. Seizures are another serious complication associated with MAS.
How Medical Malpractice Can Cause Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Proving a breach of the standard of care is critical in medical malpractice cases involving MAS. The standard of care refers to the level and type of care a reasonably competent health professional with similar training and experience would provide under similar circumstances. For someone to establish a breach, it must be demonstrated that the healthcare provider failed to meet this standard, resulting in harm to the newborn.
Evidence is crucial in proving a breach of the standard of care. Medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony from medical professionals can help establish that the care provided deviated from accepted medical practices. For example, if a healthcare provider failed to monitor fetal distress or delayed necessary interventions, these actions could be deemed as a breach of the standard of care.
The causation between the breach and the injury must be proved. Then your Denver birth injury attorney must prove the damages that resulted from the injuries to the baby.
Speak with One of Our Denver MAS Medical Malpractice Attorneys Today
At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we help families rebuild their lives when inadequate medical treatment results in tragedy. If your child was harmed due to medical malpractice, you shouldn't have to pay for your medical bills or other related expenses. Our firm has over 40 years of experience, so we can help.
Call our Denver meconium aspiration syndrome medical malpractice lawyers at (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906 to learn more today.
