Prolonged labor can lead to serious medical complications for both the mother and the baby. In some cases, the delay in delivery can result in injuries that may have been prevented with proper medical care and attention. Can you file a lawsuit after suffering such injuries?
What constitutes prolonged labor?
Prolonged labor refers to a situation where labor lasts longer than usual and can be categorized into two stages: the first stage, which involves cervical dilation, and the second stage, which is the actual delivery of the baby. Typically, labor lasts about 12 to 18 hours for a first-time mother and 6 to 12 hours for those who have previously given birth. If labor lasts longer than this—especially beyond 20 hours—it may be considered prolonged labor.
Prolonged labor can result from a variety of factors, including the baby’s size, the mother’s pelvic shape or issues with uterine contractions. In some cases, medical interventions like cesarean sections (C-sections) or the use of forceps or vacuum extraction may be necessary.
Potential risks and injuries from prolonged labor
When labor extends beyond the normal duration, the risk of complications increases for both the mother and the baby. Some of the most common injuries caused by prolonged labor include:
- Fetal distress: Prolonged labor can put stress on the baby, reducing oxygen supply. This can potentially cause brain injury or developmental issues.
- Shoulder dystocia: This occurs when the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck during delivery, leading to nerve damage and sometimes permanent paralysis (such as Erb’s Palsy).
- Maternal injuries: Prolonged labor increases the likelihood of complications for the mother. Examples include uterine rupture, pelvic floor damage or excessive bleeding.
- Infections: The longer labor lasts, the higher the chance of infection for both the mother and baby—particularly if the water has broken for an extended period.
Prolonged labor and medical malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional fails to provide the standard of care that another reasonable professional in the field would offer, resulting in harm to the patient.
In cases of prolonged labor, malpractice may occur if a doctor, midwife or other healthcare provider fails to recognize signs of distress in the mother or baby. Alternatively, they might delay necessary interventions when the labor isn’t progressing. In short, malpractice occurs when a patient receives inadequate care that leads to preventable injuries.
If you or your child sustained an injury due to prolonged labor, you have the right to you’re your healthcare providers accountable. This typically involves filing a medical malpractice claim, which can provide compensation for the cost of medical treatment, future medical care, lost income and more. Calling the Law Offices of Tim Misny right away is the first step in recovering damages.
Discuss your claim with a Columbus birth injury lawyer
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can review your birth injury case. When you’re the victim of negligence or recklessness, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (877) 614-9524 so that I can evaluate your case right away.
