It is every expectant parent’s hope that they will have an easy labor and that their child will be born healthy. However, if a child is in breech presentation as the mother’s due date approaches, there may be a number of valid concerns that the child could be hurt during delivery. In this scenario, it is the obligation of a doctor to determine how to handle a breech birth. If your child was a victim of medical malpractice, contact an experienced Houston breech birth malpractice attorney.
The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. understands how an injury to a newborn child can impact an entire family, and we are here to represent you in your time of need. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797, or contact us online.
Common Types of Breech Births
As the due date for a mother swiftly approaches, the child in her womb should naturally begin to move their head closer to the birth canal in order to make delivery easier. This is known as vertex presentation. Unfortunately, some infants may never begin to move their heads closer to the birth canal. Instead, the child may situate their buttocks or feet towards the birth canal. This is referred to as breech presentation.
There are multiple types of breech birth presentations that a doctor should look out for. While each type of breech birth involves the child facing the wrong direction in the womb, there are subtle differences between each type that can change the way a doctor should approach a delivery.
Complete Breech
Generally, there are three main types of breech positions and one subtype. A complete breech occurs when a baby’s buttocks are facing the birth canal while their legs are in front of their body with their knees bent. In this position, a baby’s feet or buttocks will enter the birth canal first. This can be dangerous because if the mother has a prolonged labor, the child’s head will be stuck in the birth canal for a long period of time.
Incomplete Breech
Incomplete breeches are similar to a complete breech in that the buttocks face the birth canal. However, in an incomplete breech, the baby will only have one knee bent in front of their body while their other leg will typically be outstretched in front of their faces. This can make delivery unpredictable due to the awkward position of the child.
Frank Breech
Frank breech presentation is when the child’s legs are extended straight in front of their face while the buttocks are situated towards the birth canal.
A footling breech is also a subtype of breech presentation. This type of breech presentation is identified by one or two of the baby’s feet being situated towards the birth canal.
It is important to note that there may be some other forms of breech presentation not discussed in this article. To learn more about filing a medical malpractice lawsuit for a breech birth, continue reading and speak with an experienced Texas medical malpractice attorney.
Proving a Breech Birth Medical Malpractice Claim in Houston, Texas
If your child was injured due to the actions of a doctor in Houston, you should consider filing a medical malpractice lawsuit. To show that a doctor committed medical malpractice, a plaintiff must show how the doctor acted negligently and caused their child’s injuries. For example, if a doctor failed to act while a child was in distress during a breech birth delivery, this could be used as evidence in a malpractice lawsuit.
There are four elements that a plaintiff must prove to prevail in a medical malpractice lawsuit:
- The doctor owed the plaintiff and her child a duty of care
- The doctor’s actions resulted in a breach of that duty of care
- The child was injured due to breach of duty by the doctor
- The child suffered an injury or other losses due to the acts of the doctor
It is important to note that medical malpractice lawsuits must also adhere to the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations determines how long a plaintiff has to file a particular type of lawsuit against a defendant.
In Texas, the filing deadline for medical malpractice lawsuits is two years from the date of the injury. If the plaintiff does not file their case within this two-year deadline, the court may bar their claim. If this happens, the plaintiff may not have another option to seek compensation for an injury to their child.
Contact an Experienced Houston Breech Birth Malpractice Lawyer You Can Trust
If your child was injured during a breech birth, you should consult with an experienced Houston breech birth malpractice lawyer. The injury lawyers at The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. possess extensive experience litigating a broad range of injury claims, and we will work tirelessly to pursue the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797.