Atlanta Umbilical Cord Birth Injury Attorneys

We Represent Children Injured by Hospital Negligence

The umbilical cord is a lifeline, delivering blood, oxygen, and nutrients to a baby inside the womb while carrying away carbon dioxide and waste. However, complications with the umbilical cord can arise during the birthing process and may threaten the baby’s health and life. It is an OBGYN’s duty to monitor a child’s condition throughout labor, and the medical team must take timely action if they notice any complications arising.

A common remedy to umbilical cord issues is to order a cesarean section (C-section) and have the baby delivered through the mother’s abdomen. However, if the doctor waits too long to perform a C-section, the infant can suffer brain damage from oxygen loss.

If your child has been injured due to an umbilical cord complication, it may have been caused by medical negligence. If this is the case, you likely have grounds for a medial malpractice lawsuit. To find out more about your legal rights and options, call the experienced Atlanta birth injury lawyers at Grant Law Office. Dial (404) 995-3955 for a free case evaluation.

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Umbilical Cord Complications at Birth

An infant is never more vulnerable than during the birthing process. Many of the dangers an infant faces involve the umbilical cord. The following are umbilical cord issues that can result in injury and death:

• Nuchal cord: This is when the umbilical cord gets wrapped around a baby’s neck, foot, or hand. About one third of all babies are born with umbilical cords wrapped around their necks. In most of these cases, the baby can be delivered without issue. However, there are occasions where the cord cuts off blood flow to the brain, resulting in brain damage or death. The doctor needs to carefully monitor the baby’s fetal heart rate for signs of distress and perform a C-section in such cases.
• Umbilical cord prolapse: Many birth injuries occur due to umbilical cord compression, which cuts off the flow of oxygen and blood to the baby. Prolapse occurs during delivery when the umbilical cord drops into the vaginal canal before the baby. When the baby enters the birth canal, the cord can become compressed between the baby’s body and the wall of the birth canal. Oxygen deprivation can occur rapidly in these situations.
• Umbilical cord knot (true knot): Another way the umbilical cord can become compressed is by becoming knotted as the infant moves around inside the uterus. Most times, the knot is loose, so it doesn’t impact blood and oxygen flow. But, if the knot tightens, the baby can be put in danger. Knotting usually occurs when the cord is too long, or in the case of an identical twin pregnancy, when the two cords wrap around each other.
• Umbilical cord torsion: Umbilical cord torsion, also referred to as stricture or overcoiling, can also cause umbilical cord compression. This occurs when the cord twists around enough times to coil back on itself like a spring, or telephone cord, thus cutting off the blood and oxygen supply to the baby.

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Discuss Your Claim

Most umbilical cord complications can be remedied by close monitoring of the infant, and the hospital staff taking immediate action when fetal distress is detected. If you feel your child’s birth injury was caused by medical negligence, you need to contact the compassionate medical malpractice attorneys at Georgia’s Grant Law Office. Call our husband and wife legal team for a free consultation at (404) 995-3955.

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Additional Information

• Umbilical Cord Prolapse - Merck Manual
• Pregnancy Complications: Uterine Rupture