Meconium is green, thick, sticky fecal material that is produced in a fetus’ intestines before birth. After delivery, a baby will pass meconium stools in the first few days of life. However, sometimes before or during birth the baby will pass meconium stool while still in the uterus. The meconium then combines with the amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus. If the baby inhales meconium her or she may suffer a serious birth injury called meconium aspiration syndrome. Meconium aspiration syndrome is a potentially serious condition that develops when the baby inhales meconium resulting in the baby’s airways being blocked. As a result of meconium aspiration the baby may suffer respiratory problems which can be long-term. With proper treatment using suctioning and antibiotics, must babies fully recovery. However, when doctors and other members of the medical staff fail to properly diagnose meconium aspiration or fail to properly treat it, meconium aspiration can be dangerous. In fact, it can be just as dangerous as other injuries suffered at birth. If your baby suffered a serious meconium aspiration injury, then it is critical that you contact a New York meconium aspiration lawyer who will review your child’s medical records to determine what transpired, and who will vigorously advocate you’re your rights.
Risk factors for meconium aspirationWhile meconium aspiration could happen in any situation, meconium aspiration is generally associated with fetal stress. Thus, where risk factors for fetal stress are present, meconium aspiration is more likely to occur. These risk factors include:
There are a number of signs of meconium aspiration that your doctor should notice and respond appropriately. Such signs include:
If meconium aspiration is diagnosed quickly and immediately treated, the baby is less likely to suffer long-term health problems. As an experienced New York meconium aspiration lawyer will explain, your doctor and other medical professionals have the responsibility of understanding the signs of meconium aspiration and appropriately treating it. Otherwise, the baby’s lungs could be seriously damaged. Treatment for meconium aspiration includes:
Without the proper treatment a baby who inhales meconium could suffer aspiration pneumonia, collapsed lung, brain damage, or persistent pulmonary hypertension. Such conditions could result in permanent physical and mental disabilities and extensive medical bills. If your baby suffers severe meconium aspirations syndrome because the doctors and nurses caring for your baby failed to properly diagnose and treat your baby, as a meconium aspiration attorney in New York will explain, the law allows you to hold negligent medical professionals legally and financially liable.
The negligent party may be required to compensate you for your baby’s medical bills related to the injuries suffered because of the medical mistake. If as a result of your baby’s injury you end up missing a work, your damages could include compensation for the income you lost. The court may also award damages based on the physical and mental anguish your baby suffers because of the injury.
Contact the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & AssociatesIf your doctors failed to promptly respond to your baby being in distress because he or she inhaled meconium and as a result your baby suffered a serious injury, do not hesitate to immediately contact an experienced birth injury attorney. The meconium aspiration attorneys serving New York at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates have years of experience successfully representing clients who have suffered injuries due to mistakes made by obstetricians, gynecologists, pediatricians, and other medical professionals. Contact us at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case. We represent clients in the following locations: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Long Island, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County and Westchester County.