Medication Errors and Pharmaceutical Negligence
During pregnancy, labor, and delivery, medications play a crucial role in managing maternal conditions and facilitating safe childbirth. However, errors in prescribing, administering, or monitoring these medications can lead to devastating consequences for both mother and baby.
Common Medication Errors in Obstetrics
Several types of medication errors can occur in the context of childbirth:
- Incorrect dosing of labor-inducing drugs like Pitocin (oxytocin)
- Anesthesia errors during epidural administration
- Improper use of magnesium sulfate for preeclampsia
- Medication contraindications or dangerous drug interactions
- Failure to adjust medication based on maternal or fetal response
- Administration of medications to which the patient has a known allergy
- Prescribing teratogenic drugs during pregnancy without proper warnings
These errors often result from miscommunication, inadequate monitoring, or failure to review medical history.
Consequences of Pharmaceutical Negligence
Medication errors can cause serious harm, including:
- Uterine hyperstimulation leading to fetal distress
- Maternal hemorrhage
- Birth asphyxia and resulting brain damage
- Allergic reactions ranging from mild to life-threatening
- Birth defects from inappropriate medication during pregnancy
- Maternal cardiovascular complications
- Neurological damage from anesthesia errors
The effects can be temporary or permanent, sometimes requiring lifelong care and support.
Establishing Liability in Medication Error Cases
Determining liability in these cases often involves multiple parties:
- Prescribing physicians
- Nurses administering medication
- Pharmacists
- Hospital systems with inadequate safety protocols
- Pharmaceutical companies (in some cases)
Our legal team conducts thorough investigations to identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable.
Documenting and Building Your Case
Strong medication error cases require extensive documentation:
- Complete medical records before, during, and after the incident
- Medication administration records and pharmacy logs
- Fetal monitoring strips showing responses to medication
- Expert testimony on appropriate standards of care
- Evidence of deviation from manufacturer guidelines or hospital protocols
We work with medical experts who understand the complex pharmacology involved in these cases.
Compensation for Medication-Related Birth Injuries
Families affected by pharmaceutical negligence may recover damages for:
- Medical expenses for mother and baby
- Future treatment and therapy needs
- Lost income during recovery
- Long-term care costs for permanent injuries
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Our goal is to secure comprehensive compensation that addresses both immediate and long-term needs.
Consult With Our Pharmaceutical Negligence Attorneys
If you or your baby suffered harm due to medication errors during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, our experienced birth injury attorneys can help determine if you have a case. Contact us today for a free, confidential evaluation. We have the expertise to handle these complex cases and the compassion to support you through the process.
