Birth asphyxia is a serious condition that occurs when a baby is deprived of oxygen before, during, or immediately after birth. Without enough oxygen, vital organs, especially the brain, can suffer severe damage, leading to long-term health complications or even death. While some cases are unpreventable, many are the direct result of medical negligence in the delivery room.

When doctors fail to monitor the baby’s oxygen levels, delay an emergency C-section, or improperly manage complications like umbilical cord issues or breech presentation, the consequences can be devastating. Timely medical intervention is critical to preventing lasting harm.

Common preventable causes can include:

• Failure to monitor or respond to fetal distress
• Delayed decision to perform a C-section
• Mishandling umbilical cord prolapse
• Improper management of breech births
• Misuse of forceps or vacuum extraction

When a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and that failure leads to your child’s oxygen deprivation, you may have grounds for a birth injury claim. A trusted birth asphyxia lawyer can help you investigate what happened, hold the negligent parties accountable, and pursue the financial compensation your family deserves.