Midwifes play important roles in helping parents to navigate pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. Midwifes are trained is obstetrics and are capable of handling low-risk pregnancies for those mothers that desire a natural birth. Many midwifes do not have a nursing license and some do not carry malpractice insurance. A midwife typically works independently and is required to consult with a licensed physician if there are complications during pregnancy or childbirth. Yet midwifes can render negligent treatment that can result in devastating consequences.
As an experienced Greenville, SC birth injury lawyer, Bobby Jones has a proven track record of advocating on behalf of victims of midwife negligence. If you or someone that you know has suffered an injury as a result of negligent treatment from a midwife, contact Bobby Jones Law to discuss your rights and options.
Common Causes of Midwife Negligence
There are many instances in which a midwife may provide negligent treatment that causes the mother and/or baby serious harm. Some common reasons for midwife negligence include:
- Failing to identify mothers that are high-risk. Midwifes are trained to treat low-risk patients and should refer a high-risk mother to a physician
- Not being licensed under South Carolina law
- Improperly using forceps or extraction pumps to aid in delivery
- Failing to direct a mother to a physician or hospital when emergency treatment is needed, such as the need for a C-section
- Improperly prescribing or administering medication
Possible Injuries Caused by Midwife Negligence
Since midwifes are not licensed physicians they are not capable of treating patients in the event of an emergency. Failing to get the mother and baby the treatment that they need can result in serious health complications for the mother and fetus. Moreover, rendering improper treatment can also result in injury. Some injuries that can occur due to midwife negligence can include:
- Infections
- Hemorrhages
- Cerebral palsy
- Erb’s palsy
- Preeclampsia
- Eclampsia
- Placenta abruption
- Placenta previa
- Gestational diabetes
- Stillborn babies
Cases involving midwife negligence can be complex. An experienced Greensville, SC birth injury lawyer can review your case to identify potential negligent acts and possible causes of action. Moreover, an experienced birth injury lawyer can help you to recover the compensation that you deserve, whether through an injury settlement or by pursuing your claim all the way to trial.
Discuss Your Case with an Experienced South Carolina Birth Injury Lawyer
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury due to a South Carolina midwife’s actions, it is important to consult with an experienced Greenville, SC birth injury lawyer to discuss your rights and remedies. Bobby Jones is a nationally recognized trial lawyer with a proven track record of helping victims of midwife negligence to recover the compensation that they deserve. Bobby Jones Law proudly serves clients throughout South Carolina from our office conveniently located in Greenville. Please contact us for a FREE consultation.