Polyhydramnios is a condition in which there’s an excessive amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the baby during pregnancy. This condition can lead to serious complications, including preterm labor, umbilical cord prolapse, placental abruption, and difficulties during delivery.
Babies born to mothers with polyhydramnios may face respiratory distress, congenital abnormalities, or other medical challenges. Proper monitoring and timely medical intervention are necessary to minimize the risks for both the mother and baby.
At Wagner Reese, LLP, our Indiana birth injury lawyers have a proven track record of fighting for families affected by medical negligence. With over $300 million recovered, we have secured multiple seven- and eight-figure verdicts and settlements for our clients.
Attorney Wagner has successfully taken medical malpractice cases to trial across Indiana and nationwide, while Attorney Reese has been recognized among Indiana’s Top 25 Medical Malpractice Trial Lawyers. For prenatal issues linked to birth injuries, we can provide you with strong birth injury legal representation and recover damages.
Polyhydramnios Complications and Related Birth Injuries
Potential Complications for Mothers
- Preterm Labor: Excessive amniotic fluid can stretch the uterus, triggering early contractions.
- Placental Abruption: The placenta may separate from the uterus too soon, endangering both mother and baby.
- Postpartum Hemorrhage: An overstretched uterus may not contract properly after birth, causing heavy bleeding.
Birth Injuries Associated with Polyhydramnios
- Umbilical Cord Prolapse: Excess fluid can cause the umbilical cord to slip through the cervix before the baby, cutting off the oxygen supply.
- Brain Injuries: Oxygen deprivation due to prolonged or obstructed labor can cause permanent neurological damage.
- Shoulder Dystocia & Fractures: Excess fluid may lead to an oversized baby, increasing the risk of difficult or traumatic deliveries.
- Cerebral Palsy & Developmental Delays: Severe birth complications may result in long-term disabilities requiring lifelong medical care.
A healthcare provider failing to monitor and manage polyhydramnios appropriately may constitute medical negligence. You should seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Causes of Polyhydramnios-Related Birth Injuries
- Failure to Diagnose or Monitor the Condition: Physicians may miss signs of polyhydramnios during routine ultrasounds or prenatal checkups.
- Mismanagement of Gestational Diabetes: Uncontrolled maternal diabetes can cause excessive fetal growth and increased amniotic fluid.
- Failure to Recognize Fetal Abnormalities: Some congenital conditions cause polyhydramnios, and failure to detect them can lead to complications.
- Ignoring the Need for Early Delivery: Delayed medical intervention may result in umbilical cord compression or birth asphyxia.
- Misreading Ultrasounds or Diagnostic Tests: Inaccurate interpretations can lead to undiagnosed risks and improper medical care.
How Our Indiana Birth Injury Attorneys Prove Liability in Polyhydramnios Lawsuits
At Wagner Reese, our attorneys diligently gather and analyze all relevant documentation to establish liability and fight for maximum compensation.
- Medical Records: We review prenatal care records, ultrasounds, and diagnostic tests to determine if the condition was properly monitored.
- Fetal Monitoring Strips: Monitoring strips can reveal signs of fetal distress that should have led to timely medical intervention.
- Delivery Room Notes & Witness Statements: Statements from nurses, attending physicians, and family members may provide insight into errors made during labor.
- Expert Testimony: We work with leading obstetricians and neonatologists to establish how medical negligence caused birth injuries.
- Hospital Policies & Training Records: Examining internal hospital procedures can uncover systemic failures in patient care.
Steps We Take to Pursue Compensation
At Wagner Reese, our Indiana birth injury attorneys follow a strategic legal process to maximize your compensation and ensure negligent medical providers are held accountable.
- Medical Expert Evaluation & Review Panel: Indiana law requires that a Medical Review Panel of healthcare professionals evaluate your case before it proceeds to court. We work with top medical experts to present strong evidence that negligence caused your child’s birth injury.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If negligence is established, we will file a lawsuit on your behalf and handle all legal formalities. Our attorneys will draft a strong demand letter to insurance companies, detailing the damages suffered by you and your child.
- Shielding You from Insurance Tactics: We counter insurance companies’ attempts to minimize your claim, including unfair delays, lowball offers, or misrepresentation of medical evidence.
- Aggressive Settlement Negotiations: Our team fights for the highest possible settlement, ensuring that future medical expenses, special care needs, and emotional suffering are fully accounted for.
- Trial Preparation from Day One: Even while negotiating, we prepare for trial by hiring medical experts, gathering evidence, and formulating a powerful courtroom strategy.
- Litigating in Court If Necessary: If insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation, we present strong arguments before a jury and fight for the justice your family deserves.
At every stage of your case, we provide the compassionate support and legal representation needed to recover compensation for you and your child. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (888) 204-8440 or contact us online.
