Marginal umbilical cord insertion occurs when the umbilical cord attaches to the edge of the placenta instead of the center. This condition can lead to reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the baby, increasing the risk of birth injuries. If doctors fail to detect or manage this condition, the baby may suffer developmental delays or cerebral palsy.
At Wagner Reese, LLP, our award-winning birth injury lawyers have recovered over $300 million for injured clients. Recognized by Super Lawyers®, The Best Lawyers in America©, and U.S. News & World Report, we provide aggressive, responsive legal representation. Our firm has built a stellar reputation, earning the trust of both clients and fellow attorneys who frequently refer complex birth injury cases to us.
We’re known for our strong client relationships, offering compassionate support while relentlessly fighting for justice. Our attorneys are also frequently featured in news reports and legal publications, highlighting our dedication to holding negligent medical providers liable for prenatal issues linked to birth injuries.

Birth Injuries Resulting from Marginal Umbilical Cord Insertion
Some of the marginal umbilical cord insertion complications and birth injuries include:
- Restricted Fetal Growth: Poor nutrient and oxygen transfer can lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), increasing the risk of low birth weight.
- Preterm Birth: Placental dysfunction and reduced blood flow may trigger preterm labor, leading to complications like underdeveloped lungs or neurological issues.
- Fetal Distress: Oxygen deprivation can cause hypoxia, which may result in cerebral palsy, developmental delays, or organ damage.
- Stillbirth: In severe cases, compromised blood flow may cause fetal demise before delivery.
Early detection through ultrasounds and fetal monitoring is vital. If healthcare providers fail to identify and address risks, the baby may suffer serious birth injuries from umbilical cord issues that could have been prevented with proper medical care.
How Medical Negligence Causes Birth Injuries from Marginal Umbilical Cord Insertion
- Failure to Diagnose: If doctors miss signs of marginal cord insertion during routine ultrasounds, they may fail to implement necessary precautions.
- Inadequate Monitoring: Insufficient fetal monitoring can overlook signs of fetal distress, such as abnormal heart rate patterns.
- Delayed Intervention: Failure to perform an emergency C-section when the baby isn’t receiving adequate oxygen can lead to brain damage or stillbirth.
- Mismanagement of Labor and Delivery: Improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction can worsen the effects of oxygen deprivation.
- Failure to Educate the Patient: Doctors must inform expectant mothers about potential risks and recommend specialized care when needed.
Families should seek legal help for marginal cord insertion injuries to recover compensation for medical expenses, future care needs, and emotional distress.
How Our Indiana Birth Injury Attorneys Can Help
Marginal Umbilical Cord Insertion Birth Injury Cases Are Complex
Birth injury claims involving marginal umbilical cord insertion require extensive legal skills and medical knowledge. Indiana law mandates a Medical Review Panel, where a group of doctors evaluates whether malpractice occurred before a lawsuit proceeds. This process requires thorough preparation and compelling medical evidence to establish liability.
Proving a breach of the standard of care involves testimony from expert witnesses who can demonstrate how medical providers failed to detect, monitor, or respond appropriately to complications. At Wagner Reese, our attorneys collaborate with leading medical professionals to build a strong case and effectively present the evidence needed to prove negligence.
Hospitals and Insurance Companies Have Legal Resources—You Need a Powerful Legal Team
Hospitals and their insurance carriers have high-powered defense attorneys who will aggressively deny liability and downplay your child’s injuries. They will use tactics such as challenging medical evidence, shifting blame, or pressuring families into lowball settlements. Our attorneys level the playing field by leveraging our deep understanding of both medical science and Indiana malpractice laws.
We’re skilled at cross-examining medical witnesses, deconstructing misleading defense arguments, and presenting persuasive evidence during negotiations and litigation. Insurance companies know we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, making them far more likely to offer a fair settlement rather than risk a courtroom battle.
The Stakes Are High—You Need a Law Firm With a Proven Trial Record
Birth injury cases involve serious financial and emotional stakes, as families may require lifelong medical care, therapy, and special accommodations for their child. You need attorneys who can negotiate from a position of strength and are prepared to go to trial if necessary. At Wagner Reese, we have a formidable record of achieving multimillion-dollar settlements and verdicts for families like yours.
From the moment we take your case, we prepare for the possibility of litigation—collecting evidence, retaining top medical experts, and formulating an aggressive legal strategy. When the well-being of your child is at stake, you need a law firm that will fight tooth and nail for the justice and compensation your family deserves. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (888) 204-8440 or contact us online.