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Getting the appropriate prenatal medical care is vital to every expecting mother. One of these reasons is to help avoid disease during labor and delivery, or to promptly detect and treat any possible signs and symptoms. This is because maternal infections, such as Chorioamnionitis, are some of the leading causes of birth injuries and complications in the United States.

If you or your newborn has suffered a medical complication due to a doctor or nurse’s negligence, a Michigan maternal infections lawyer might be able to help. A compassionate attorney could listen to your side of the story, assess the facts of a case, and work to hold those accountable for what happened.

How Do Maternal Infections Happen?

A maternal infection occurs when a mother acquires a disease, which could then be transmitted to the fetus. This transmission of a disease can occur at any time during the pregnancy or the birthing process, when the newborn comes into contact with the mother’s blood through the birth.

Sometimes, it is not clear how or when the mother acquired a disease or illness—but what is important is that they are treated quickly in order to keep themselves and their newborn safe. This is because an untreated maternal infection can cause premature delivery, diseases in the newborn, and even maternal or fetal death in Michigan.

What is Chorioamnionitis?

Chorioamnionitis, also called amnionitis, is an infection of the fluid and membranes that surround the baby inside the womb. This usually occurs when bacteria travels from the vagina and up into the uterus. Multiple vaginal exams and prolonged labor could predispose patients to infection. Other maternal infections may include:

  • Group B streptococcus (GBS)
  • Syphilis
  • Listeriosis
  • Hepatitis
  • HIV

Sometimes, infections such as Chorioamnionitis just happen and are essentially unavoidable. Unfortunately, this means they may go undetected for an extended period of time. Other times, however, these diseases are evident and serious, requiring immediate medical intervention.

A doctor who does not catch the symptoms of a mother’s disease, or who tests for an infection but does not follow through on the results, could be held liable for any damages both the mother and baby suffer. Because this is a serious form of medical negligence, hiring a Michigan maternal infections lawyer might be essential for a family looking to have a legal professional represent their case.

The Deadline for Filing a Claim

When a mother incurs an untreated disease during labor, there are multiple deadlines for filing a claim that should be understood. For any injuries suffered by the mother, the state has a two-year statute of limitations for pursuing compensation. Furthermore, according to Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5851, a claim for an infant harmed during childbirth is beholden to a statute of limitations as well. Here, a claim can be pursued within two years of the incident, if the child is under 8 years old, or before the child’s 10th birthday—whichever timeframe is longer.

Compensable Damages for Mothers and Newborns

Because of the widespread physical harm, emotional trauma, and financial strain that might result from any birth injury, claimants might list a variety of losses for a claim. These damages can be both economic and non-economic in nature, in order to encompass the extent of a claimant’s losses. These compensable damages for both mothers and newborns might include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of companionship
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium
  • Emotional distress
  • Pain and suffering

While certain damages have a definitive price tag, others are more subjective and more difficult to calculate. As a result, working with a compassionate Michigan lawyer might be beneficial to a claimant who has suffered maternal infections at the hands of a negligent medical team.

Michigan maternal infections lawyer

Help from a Michigan Maternal Infections Attorney

A Michigan maternal infections lawyer could stand by your side through each step of the legal process if you or your infant have incurred loses due to malpractice, including suffering from infections such as Chorioamnionitis. During pregnancy and after delivery, you need to take care of yourself.

By hiring a skilled attorney at Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C., you could focus on recovering from your trauma and spending time with your family with the knowledge that a legal professional is pursuing compensation on your behalf. To schedule a consultation, call today.

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