Stillbirth: Understanding Your Legal Rights After Medical Negligence

Losing a child to stillbirth is a devastating experience, and when medical negligence is to blame, the pain can be even harder to bear. If your child’s stillbirth resulted from a doctor’s failure to provide proper prenatal care, you may have a medical malpractice case. At Buckeye Law Group, our compassionate attorneys can help you seek justice and hold negligent healthcare providers accountable.

What Is Stillbirth?

A stillbirth occurs when a baby dies in the womb after 20 weeks of pregnancy. While some stillbirths happen due to genetic or natural causes, many are preventable with proper medical care. When doctors fail to monitor a pregnancy correctly, the risk of stillbirth increases.

Common Causes of Preventable Stillbirths

Medical negligence can play a role in stillbirth cases when doctors fail to:

1. Monitor Fetal Distress – Signs of oxygen deprivation or irregular heartbeats must be addressed immediately.
2. Detect Infections – Untreated maternal infections like Group B Strep or syphilis can lead to fetal death.
3. Manage High-Risk Pregnancies – Conditions like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes require specialized care.
4. Identify Placental Issues – Placental abruption or insufficiency can cut off oxygen and nutrients to the baby.
5. Respond to Umbilical Cord Problems – A prolapsed cord can deprive the baby of oxygen and cause stillbirth.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Stillbirth Case?

Healthcare providers, including obstetricians, nurses, and hospitals, may be held responsible if their negligence caused a stillbirth. To prove medical malpractice, you must show that:

• A doctor-patient relationship existed.
• The provider failed to follow the accepted standard of prenatal care.
• Their negligence directly caused the stillbirth.

What to Do If You Lost a Child to Stillbirth Due to Medical Negligence

1. Request an Autopsy – This can help determine the cause of death.
2. Obtain Medical Records – Prenatal visits, ultrasounds, and test results can reveal negligence.
3. Document Your Experience – Keep a record of symptoms, doctor visits, and any concerns raised during pregnancy.
4. Consult a Medical Malpractice Attorney – An experienced lawyer can help you understand your legal options.

Compensation in Stillbirth Malpractice Cases

While no amount of money can replace your child, compensation can help cover:

• Medical expenses related to the pregnancy and delivery
• Funeral and burial costs
• Emotional distress and psychological suffering
• Loss of future companionship and support

How Buckeye Law Group Can Help:

• Investigate Medical Records to Identify Signs of Negligence
• Work with Medical Experts to Prove Your Case
• Negotiate with Insurance Companies for Maximum Compensation
• Take Your Case to Court if a Settlement Isn’t Reached

Conclusion

If your child’s stillbirth resulted from medical negligence, you have the right to seek justice. Buckeye Law Group is here to support you during this difficult time and help you hold those responsible accountable. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Call 800-411-PAIN or complete our contact form for a free, no-obligation case consultation today.