Pregnant women entrust health care providers with not only their health and wellbeing, but also that of their unborn baby. When medical errors occur that result in birth injuries, those impacted are often left to deal with permanent and severe damage. The parents of a two-year-old girl have filed a medical malpractice lawsuit contending the negligent actions of the obstetrician and hospital staff resulted in their daughter suffering brain damage.

Leaking amniotic fluid, the woman was directed by her doctor to go to the hospital where she was admitted. At the hospital she was hooked up to a fetal monitoring device that showed normal activity. She was discharged and directed to follow-up with her obstetrician two days later.

Upon seeing her doctor, the woman complained the baby was not moving and she was admitted to the hospital. Labor was induced using pitocin and fetal monitoring administered. Fetal monitoring reported decreased activity over the course of the afternoon and the baby was delivered via c-section.

Upon delivery the baby was not moving or breathing and did not have a heartbeat. The baby was taken to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and it was determined she suffered from hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy or lack of oxygen to the brain.

Sadly, the little girl suffered permanent brain damage and will require intensive physical and speech therapy. The parents have filed a lawsuit contending medical staff was negligent in failing to properly monitor fetal activity. They also contend doctors caused further damage by delaying delivery of the baby via c-section. They are seeking damages to help cover medical expenses as well as compensation related to extreme physical and emotional distress.

Source: The West Virginia Record, "Texas couples says WVU Hospital caused daughter's injuries after birth," Kyla Asbury, July 23, 2012