Holding Liable Parties Accountable for Their Actions
When it comes time to give birth, expectant mothers rely on the hospital staff and other health care providers to provide them with the best care. These individuals have a duty to provide a safe and appropriate standard of care to all their patients.
If their actions before, during, or immediately after the delivery are negligent and result in birth injuries to you or your newborn child, they can be held responsible. However, it is not just individual health care providers who may be negligent. In some cases, the hospital or clinic can also be held legally liable for birth injuries that occur due to staff actions, hiring practices, or other decisions.
Determining liability will depend on where the injuries take place. For example, if a hospital employs a nurse, the administration is responsible for ensuring the nurse’s qualifications and experience. In these cases, if a birth injury occurs due to the nurse’s actions, the hospital can be held responsible.
The most common liable parties in these cases include:
- Obstetricians, pediatricians, or other physicians involved in the delivery
- Labor and delivery nurses who assist during childbirth
- Anesthesiologists who administer sedatives
- Midwives, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners
- Surgical technicians are responsible for operating medical equipment used during childbirth
- Hospital administrators, who may be liable if their staff members did not follow the proper staffing protocols and safety measures.
In most deliveries, there are numerous people involved in the process. While most childbirths do not experience any issues, there are times when the negligent actions of these professionals can lead to serious birth injuries for your child. If you or your newborn have suffered an injury, you can count on the birth injury attorney you meet with to carefully review your case and hold all potentially liable parties accountable for their actions.