If you or a loved one was hurt due to the negligence of a careless physician, our Miami attorney for birth injuries causing infant low heart rate or palpitations can help. At Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA, we understand the difficulties and challenges that come with a birth-related injury. That is why we dedicate ourselves to fighting aggressively and strategically to get you the compensation you deserve.
Don’t let an injury take over your life. Call our offices right away for dedicated, skilled, and compassionate legal representation. Schedule a free and private consultation today with Miami lawyer Prosper Shaked by visiting us online or calling (305) 694-2676.
Causes of Low Heart Rate or Palpitations in Infants
Our heartbeat is one of the most critical functions in our body, which is why it’s one of the first things doctors and healthcare providers check when you visit the hospital. Monitoring heart rate is even more important for the care of newborn babies. During labor, overseeing the baby and monitoring their heart rate is crucial to the child’s well-being.
There are times when a baby has a low heart rate. This requires immediate action in order to prevent long-term damage to the baby’s health. Generally, a baby’s heart rate should be at or slightly above 100 beats per minute (bpm). A sudden drop in heart rate is known as bradycardia. Several health issues can cause neonatal bradycardia. There are, however, two especially common causes of this condition: hypoxia and head injuries. While other issues may lead to bradycardia as well, these can be easily recognized as causes of low heart rate in babies.
Hypoxia
Hypoxia is a severe condition that can affect multiple aspects of a baby’s life. This condition occurs when the baby lacks oxygen before, during, or after delivery. Depending on the time without oxygen, a baby could face partial or permanent disability. Umbilical cord injuries are known for causing hypoxia. There are instances where the umbilical cord may wrap around the baby’s neck, which could choke them during delivery. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals assisting the delivery should notice if there is a problem with the unborn child. However, there have been many instances where an OB/GYN failed to accurately diagnose hypoxia, which can permanently affect your baby’s life.
Head Injuries
Head injuries can be another cause of bradycardia. During delivery, many doctors make use of an instrument called forceps. This metallic, tong-shaped medical tool is used to make delivery easier. The doctor grabs the baby’s head with the forceps and pulls the baby out of the birth canal. However, some doctors exert too much pressure on the baby’s head or grab them close to their face, which can lead to nerve damage. Nerve damage during delivery can lead to additional complications as the baby develops. Furthermore, a traumatic head injury can affect the baby’s ability to breathe and oxygenate their body correctly.
Other Infant Heart Problems
A baby’s cardiac rhythm may increase or show symptoms of palpitations. A higher heart rate may also cause problems for the baby. This is especially true for mothers suffering from a condition known as preeclampsia. Preeclampsia can cause a mother to experience an accelerated heart rate or high blood pressure during labor. One of the most dangerous aspects of preeclampsia is that it can be passed on to the baby while still in the womb.
An experienced doctor or healthcare provider should be able to detect preeclampsia, accurately diagnose it, and treat it before it gets out of control. Sadly, not all doctors are diligent in making sure preeclampsia is adequately dealt with, which can put the baby and mother at risk. Our skilled medical malpractice attorney can help you hold the liable parties accountable and get you the compensation you deserve.
Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim for Low Infant Heart Rate or Palpitations in Miami
People who are injured by a negligent and careless physician in Miami can hold them accountable and obtain compensation through a medical malpractice claim. If you are successful in your claim, you may receive compensation for things such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, getting compensation after being injured by a healthcare professional requires an understanding of personal injury law and how it relates to your particular case.
There are several elements you will need to demonstrate to the court in order to prove your case. Once in court, you will need to show that the doctor owed you a duty of care, the standard to which all healthcare providers are held. Your doctor’s standard of care stems from the existence of a doctor-patient relationship, which you will have to show in court. Without a doctor-patient relationship, proving your case may be nearly impossible.
The next step is proving that your doctor breached their duty of care. In other words, you will need to show that your doctor did not meet the standard of care expected of him or her. Once you have established a breach of duty, you will then need to show that your treating physician’s negligence caused you pain.
Finally, you will need to show that you suffered damages as a result of your doctor’s actions or inaction. Once you have proven these elements to the court, you may obtain the compensation you deserve for your losses.
Miami Attorney for Birth Injuries Causing Infant Heart Palpitations Offering Free Consultations
If you or someone you know was injured by a negligent or careless physician in Miami, we may be able to help. The team at Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA understands how difficult it can be to face the doctor who harmed your baby and get the compensation you deserve. That is why we dedicate ourselves to fighting for your rights and holding that doctor responsible. Schedule a free, confidential consultation with a dedicated, skilled attorney and learn how we can help you with your case. Call our offices today at (305) 694-2676.