Birth Injury Attorney
Fort Lauderdale Fetal Stroke Lawyer
Let Us Fight for Your Family
Fetal stroke, a rare but serious medical condition, occurs when a developing baby’s brain experiences a disruption in blood flow before, during, or shortly after birth. This can result in various complications, including neurological disabilities, cognitive impairments, and physical challenges for the affected child. The emotional and financial toll on families dealing with fetal stroke can be overwhelming, which is why Schlesinger Law Offices, P.A. is committed to helping you seek justice and secure the compensation you deserve.
Our Fort Lauderdale fetal stroke lawyers can help you navigate the legal process, which typically involves the following steps:
- Case Evaluation: We will thoroughly review your case, including medical records and expert opinions, to determine if negligence was a factor.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If negligence is identified, we will file a lawsuit against the responsible parties, which may include healthcare providers, hospitals, or other medical professionals.
- Discovery: During this phase, both parties gather evidence and information related to the case.
- Negotiation: We will seek a fair settlement on your behalf, striving to secure the compensation needed to cover medical expenses, therapy, and ongoing care for your child.
- Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached, we will aggressively litigate your case in court, advocating for your rights and seeking justice.
What is Fetal Stroke?
Fetal stroke, also known as prenatal or perinatal stroke, is a rare but serious medical condition that occurs when there is a disruption in blood flow to a developing baby’s brain before, during, or shortly after birth. This disruption in blood flow can lead to damage in the baby’s brain, potentially causing a range of neurological and developmental complications. Understanding fetal stroke and its common causes is crucial for early diagnosis and appropriate medical and legal intervention if necessary.
Common Causes of Fetal Stroke:
- Blood Clots: The formation of blood clots in the placenta or umbilical cord can obstruct the flow of blood to the baby’s brain. This can occur due to various factors, including maternal health conditions or genetic factors.
- Infections: Certain maternal infections during pregnancy can increase the risk of fetal stroke. Infections such as urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, or other systemic infections can lead to inflammation and affect blood flow to the baby’s brain.
- Placental Problems: Complications with the placenta, which is responsible for providing oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus, can result in fetal stroke. Conditions like placental abruption (the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall) or placenta previa (where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix) can disrupt blood flow to the baby’s brain.
- Preeclampsia: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition characterized by high blood pressure and damage to other organs, such as the liver and kidneys. It can affect the blood vessels and blood flow, potentially leading to fetal stroke if not managed properly.
- Maternal Health Conditions: Certain maternal health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or autoimmune disorders, can increase the risk of fetal stroke. These conditions can affect the overall health of the mother and may impact blood flow to the fetus.
- Genetic Factors: In some cases, fetal stroke may be associated with genetic factors or conditions that affect blood clotting. Genetic disorders that predispose individuals to blood clotting abnormalities can increase the risk of clots forming in the baby’s circulation.
- Trauma: Trauma to the mother’s abdomen during pregnancy, such as a car accident or a fall, can result in injury to the placenta or umbilical cord, leading to fetal stroke. Adequate prenatal care and precautions are essential to minimize such risks.
- Unknown Causes: In some instances, the exact cause of fetal stroke may remain unknown. Medical professionals may not always be able to pinpoint the precise trigger for the condition.
Fetal stroke can have serious consequences for the affected child, ranging from neurological disabilities to cognitive impairments and physical challenges. Early detection and intervention are critical for managing the effects of fetal stroke. Medical professionals typically use imaging techniques such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans to diagnose fetal stroke.
If medical negligence is suspected as a contributing factor to fetal stroke, families may seek legal recourse to hold responsible parties accountable and secure compensation for the child’s medical expenses, therapy, and ongoing care. An experienced fetal stroke lawyer can help families navigate the legal process to seek justice on behalf of their child.
OUR Birth Injury results
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An unborn baby was in distress with his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck. His doctor and hospital medical team ignored signals and tests, which ultimately resulted in severe brain damage including cerebral palsy, spastic legs and arms, mental retardation, kidney failure and other conditions.
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An expectant mother went into the hospital with complications. Attending physicians did not properly communicate with each other, leading to the baby being born under duress with a diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy.
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A Palm Beach County jury has awarded $4 million on behalf of a child suffering from severe mental retardation that the family blamed on a delayed delivery in a West Palm Beach hospital more than 11 years ago.
What to Prove in a Fetal Stroke Lawsuit
To succeed in a medical malpractice claim related to fetal stroke, several key elements must typically be proven. Medical malpractice cases can be complex, and establishing these elements is crucial for a successful outcome.
Here are the essential elements that must be demonstrated in a medical malpractice claim concerning fetal stroke:
- Duty of Care: You must establish that a doctor-patient relationship existed, meaning that the healthcare professional owed a duty of care to the mother and the unborn child. This relationship is typically established through medical records, appointments, and other documentation.
- Breach of Standard of Care: You need to demonstrate that the healthcare provider deviated from the standard of care expected in similar situations. In fetal stroke cases, this often involves showing that the healthcare professional’s actions or omissions were negligent or fell below the accepted medical standards.
- Causation: It’s essential to prove that the healthcare provider’s breach of the standard of care was the direct cause of the fetal stroke. In other words, you must establish that, had it not been for the healthcare provider’s negligence, the fetal stroke would not have occurred.
- Injuries and Damages: You need to show that the fetal stroke resulted in injuries or damages. These damages can include medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, future medical costs, and any other losses incurred as a result of the fetal stroke.
If your child has experienced the devastating effects of fetal stroke, you need an experienced and compassionate attorney by your side. Our team of dedicated legal professionals is here to provide you with the guidance and support you need during this challenging time.
