Rh factor incompatibility occurs when a mother with Rh-negative blood carries a baby with Rh-positive blood. This mismatch can cause the mother’s immune system to produce antibodies that attack the baby’s red blood cells, leading to hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).
If left untreated, Rh incompatibility can have severe consequences. Fortunately, timely medical intervention, such as Rh immunoglobulin (RhoGAM) injections, can prevent complications. Parents should be aware of prenatal complications and their impact on birth injuries and take legal action if their baby has suffered due to medical negligence..
At Wagner Reese, LLP, our birth injury lawyers have achieved multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for families affected by medical negligence, including cases involving preventable birth injuries. Our dedication has earned us recognition from Super Lawyers®, The Best Lawyers in America©, and U.S. News & World Report.
More than awards, we take pride in making a meaningful difference in our clients’ lives, fighting for justice and the compensation they’re owed. Schedule your free case evaluation with us to seek Rh factor legal assistance.
Rh Factor Incompatibility Birth Injuries
When Rh factor incompatibility isn’t properly managed, the baby may suffer severe and even life-threatening complications. The mother’s immune system attacks the baby’s red blood cells, leading to a condition known as hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). This can cause Rh factor birth complications, such as:
- Severe anemia: A dangerous lack of red blood cells, depriving the baby of oxygen.
- Jaundice: A high level of bilirubin in the blood, causing yellowing of the skin and eyes, which can lead to kernicterus (a form of brain damage).
- Hydrops fetalis: A severe form of swelling caused by fluid buildup in the baby’s organs, potentially leading to heart failure.
- Stillbirth or neonatal death: In extreme cases, Rh incompatibility can result in fetal demise.
The Importance of Early Detection and Preventive Measures During Pregnancy
Detecting Rh factor incompatibility early can help prevent life-threatening birth injuries. Medical professionals should take the following steps to ensure a safe pregnancy:
- Routine Blood Testing: A simple blood test during early pregnancy can determine the mother’s Rh status.
- Regular Antibody Screening: If the mother is Rh-negative, doctors should conduct antibody tests throughout the pregnancy to check for sensitization.
- RhoGAM Administration: Rh immunoglobulin (RhoGAM) injections should be given at 28 weeks gestation and within 72 hours after delivery if the baby is Rh-positive.
- Careful Monitoring of the Fetus: If antibodies are detected, doctors should conduct Doppler ultrasounds and amniocentesis to assess the severity of fetal anemia.
- Intrauterine Blood Transfusion: In severe cases, the baby may require a blood transfusion while still in the womb to prevent life-threatening complications.
How Medical Negligence Causes Rh Factor Incompatibility Birth Injuries
When healthcare providers fail to recognize and properly manage Rh factor incompatibility, the consequences can be devastating. Medical negligence in these cases may include:
- Failure to Screen for Rh Factor: A doctor neglects to order routine blood tests to check the mother’s Rh status.
- Delayed or Improper Administration of RhoGAM: The failure to administer RhoGAM at 28 weeks or after delivery allows the mother’s immune system to develop harmful antibodies.
- Failure to Monitor for Fetal Distress: A doctor doesn’t perform Doppler ultrasounds or amniocentesis when antibody production is detected.
- Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: Medical providers misinterpret lab results or fail to act on signs of Rh incompatibility.
- Negligence During Labor and Delivery: Failure to prepare for emergency interventions, such as exchange transfusions, can result in severe anemia or brain damage for the newborn.
How Our Indiana Birth Injury Attorneys Prove Liability of Negligent Medical Providers
Building a strong birth injury case requires compelling evidence to prove medical negligence. At Wagner Reese, our attorneys will move fast to collect:
- Prenatal Medical Records: To confirm whether proper screening and monitoring procedures were followed.
- Laboratory Test Results: To determine if the mother’s Rh status and antibody levels were properly evaluated.
- Medication and Treatment History: To verify whether RhoGAM was administered at the correct times.
- Fetal Monitoring Data: To assess whether doctors properly monitored the baby for signs of anemia or distress.
- Expert Medical Testimony: We consult with leading obstetricians and neonatologists who can testify about the standard of care.
- Hospital Communication Records: To identify lapses in care, such as failure to inform the patient of her Rh status or provide appropriate treatment.
Wagner Reese—Fighting for Families Affected by Birth Injuries
At Wagner Reese, LLP, we understand the devastating impact of preventable birth injuries. With over $300 million recovered for our clients, our experienced Indiana birth injury lawyers have the knowledge and resources to hold negligent medical providers accountable. We offer evening and weekend appointments for your convenience.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (888) 204-8440 or contact us online.
