At Wagner Reese, we offer comprehensive legal support for families affected by chorioamnionitis, a serious bacterial infection that can have devastating consequences for both mother and child. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to representing families in chorioamnionitis lawsuits, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
We understand the profound impact this condition can have on your family, and we are committed to providing compassionate, personalized legal assistance to help you navigate the complexities of your case.
At Wagner Reese, your well-being is our top priority, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Get chorioamnionitis legal help by contacting our prenatal problem lawyers for a free consultation.
Chorioamnionitis and Birth Injuries
Chorioamnionitis is a bacterial infection that occurs in the fetal membranes (chorion and amnion) and amniotic fluid during pregnancy. This infection is typically caused by bacteria ascending from the vagina into the uterus.
Common bacteria responsible for chorioamnionitis include Group B Streptococcus, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and various anaerobic bacteria. Factors that increase the risk of chorioamnionitis include prolonged labor, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), multiple vaginal examinations during labor, and internal fetal monitoring.
Potential Birth Injuries Caused by Chorioamnionitis
Chorioamnionitis can lead to serious complications and birth injuries for both the mother and the baby. Potential birth injuries and complications include:
- Preterm Birth: Infection can trigger premature labor, leading to the birth of a preterm infant who may face numerous health challenges.
- Neonatal Sepsis: The infection can spread to the baby, causing sepsis, a life-threatening condition characterized by a systemic inflammatory response to infection.
- Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS): Preterm infants affected by chorioamnionitis are at higher risk for RDS, a condition where the baby’s lungs aren’t fully developed, leading to breathing difficulties.
- Cerebral Palsy: Severe infections and inflammation can increase the risk of brain damage, potentially resulting in cerebral palsy, a group of disorders affecting movement and muscle coordination.
- Meningitis: The infection can spread to the baby’s brain and spinal cord, causing meningitis, which can lead to long-term neurological damage.
- Developmental Delays: Infants exposed to chorioamnionitis may experience delays in reaching developmental milestones due to the impact of the infection on their developing systems.
Medical Procedures Used to Diagnose and Treat Chorioamnionitis
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is often based on clinical signs and symptoms, including maternal fever, uterine tenderness, foul-smelling amniotic fluid, maternal and fetal tachycardia, and elevated white blood cell count.
In some cases, amniocentesis may be performed to obtain a sample of amniotic fluid for laboratory analysis to identify the presence of bacteria and inflammatory markers.
Treatment
Prompt administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics is the primary treatment for chorioamnionitis. Antibiotics are typically given intravenously to the mother to treat the infection and prevent it from spreading to the baby.
In many cases, early delivery of the baby may be necessary to reduce the risk of further complications. The timing and mode of delivery (vaginal or cesarean) depend on the gestational age of the fetus and the severity of the infection.
After birth, the baby may require specialized medical care, including antibiotics, respiratory support, and monitoring in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to manage any complications resulting from the infection.
Understanding chorioamnionitis and its potential impact on birth outcomes is crucial for ensuring timely and effective medical intervention. If you believe that medical negligence contributed to the development or mismanagement of chorioamnionitis in your pregnancy, consulting with experienced legal professionals, like the attorneys at Wagner Reese, can help you explore your options for seeking justice and compensation.
Chorioamnionitis and Infant Health: Legal Recourse for Affected Families
Families affected by chorioamnionitis and its impact on infant health have legal recourse to seek justice and compensation. If medical negligence contributed to the development or mismanagement of chorioamnionitis, causing prenatal issues linked to birth injuries, families can pursue a medical malpractice claim.
An experienced attorney can help gather evidence, consult medical experts, and build a strong case to hold responsible parties accountable. By seeking legal recourse, families can obtain compensation for medical expenses, ongoing care, and emotional distress, ensuring that their child’s health and well-being are prioritized and supported.
If chorioamnionitis has impacted your infant’s health due to medical negligence, contact Wagner Reese for dedicated legal assistance. Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the legal process, ensuring you receive the justice and compensation your family deserves. Reach out today for a free consultation.
