If you’re facing a Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS) birth injury in Baltimore, you’re not alone. As a parent, it’s natural to feel scared and worried about your child’s future. Call Peter Angelos Law at 410-705-2405 for immediate legal guidance. Our dedicated MAS birth injury lawyers in Baltimore have extensive experience with birth injury malpractice cases and understand the complexities and emotions involved. We are here to help you understand your rights and take the necessary steps to secure your child’s future. 

Don’t wait—call now for the support your family deserves.

Understanding Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS) is a serious condition that affects newborns when they inhale a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid into their lungs around the time of birth. MAS occurs in about 5 to 10 percent of births, representing a not insignificant risk for complications.

Gaining knowledge about this condition sets the foundation for medical and legal decisions for any parent or guardian facing the diagnosis.

Causes of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

The onset of MAS can be triggered by a myriad of factors, all of which point to some form of fetal distress. Low oxygen levels, increased intestinal activity, and the baby’s initial gasps while in the womb or immediately after birth can lead to the release and inhalation of meconium. This distress can be a consequence of various conditions during pregnancy and delivery such as maternal health issues, complications with the placenta or umbilical cord, or stressful delivery scenarios.

Although meconium in the amniotic fluid doesn’t inevitably lead to MAS, it substantially heightens the risk.

Symptoms and Complications

The symptoms of MAS can range from mild to severe, with some infants experiencing difficulty breathing, a blue skin color, rapid breathing, or even a complete absence of breathing. The initial presentation might include a barrel-shaped chest, a low Apgar score, and meconium staining of the amniotic fluid, which are clear indicators that immediate medical attention is required.

Complications can escalate quickly, from mild respiratory distress to more severe issues like persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), which demands intensive medical interventions.

Long-term, MAS can lead to chronic lung disease, developmental delays, and in severe cases, permanent brain damage or even death if not treated promptly and effectively.

Seeking Legal Help for Meconium Aspiration Birth Injuries

Legal help should be contemplated by families dealing with the consequences of a MAS diagnosis and suspecting medical negligence. In Maryland, the law provides a window of up to five years from the child’s birth date or three years from the discovery of the malpractice to file a lawsuit. It is crucial to reach out to a birth injury attorney who can help in such cases and ensure all necessary steps are taken within this time frame.

The role of birth injury lawyers is crucial in accumulating evidence, seeking advice from medical experts, and questioning witnesses. Their experience becomes the cornerstone of building a strong case for the affected infant and their family. Skilled birth injury lawyers become not just an option but a necessity for achieving the desired outcome in these medically complex and emotionally charged cases, such as helping a family through a birth injury claim.

If you’re grappling with the effects of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome and suspect medical malpractice, Peter Angelos Law can be the right advocate for your family. With a formidable reputation built over five decades, our firm has experience in these types of birth injury cases, offering compassionate, comprehensive legal support. We understand the intricacies of MAS and are committed to ensuring that your child’s rights are upheld. 

Our approach is tailored to the unique aspects of each case, and we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you do, alleviating financial stress during a challenging time. Trust in Peter Angelos Law to be your steadfast partner in seeking justice and recovering the compensation you deserve.

The Role of Medical Malpractice in Meconium Aspiration Cases

Medical malpractice becomes a concern when healthcare providers neglect the signs of fetal distress leading to MAS. This failure may manifest as mismanagement of meconium-stained amniotic fluid or inadequate neonatal care after diagnosis, potentially causing neonatal birth trauma. Obstetricians, midwives, and other medical staff can be held accountable if their actions do not align with the required standard of care, potentially causing harm to the newborn.

Establishing negligence in MAS-related medical malpractice cases demands considerable evidence, often requiring the assistance of a birth injury lawyer. Through legal action, such as medical malpractice claims, healthcare providers are not only held responsible, but such cases also aim to improve the child’s quality of life and prevent future occurrences of similar incidents. In some instances, a medical malpractice lawsuit may be necessary to achieve justice for the affected family.

Proving Liability in Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Cases

Establishing liability in MAS cases is a multi-faceted process. Initially, it must be shown that a doctor-patient relationship exists, which dictates the duty of care required from medical providers. The medical standard of care is then defined by the level of care, skill, and diligence that a reasonable medical provider would exercise under similar circumstances.

A breach in the standard of care, proven through expert analysis, can be either an action or a failure to act in a way that a prudent medical provider would have done. Causation is established by linking the healthcare provider’s negligence directly to the injury sustained by the baby. Expert testimony thus becomes invaluable in articulating the specifics of the case.

If this breach in duty of care caused an injury or the worsening of an illness, it might be classified as medical malpractice. This is laid out in state statute Maryland Annotated Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings §3-2A. The Medical Malpractice Act states: “All claims, suits, and actions … by a person against a health care provider for medical injury allegedly suffered by the person … are subject to and shall be governed by the provisions of this act”.

The family needs to comprehend the extent of compensable damages, which encompass medical expenses and emotional distress.

Compensation for Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Birth Injuries

Compensation in MAS birth injury cases, which can result from common birth injuries, is a critical aspect for families, as it addresses both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses and potential loss of income, which are not capped in the same way as non-economic damages are. Non-economic damages account for the less tangible consequences, such as pain and suffering and the impact on the child’s quality of life.

Steps to Take After a Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Diagnosis

Upon receiving a MAS diagnosis, parents should prioritize obtaining legal guidance. Contacting Peter Angelos Law will open the dialogue for legal assistance tailored to the specifics of your case. It’s advisable to begin the legal process as soon as possible to ensure the best outcome.

Preventing Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

Preventing MAS involves numerous factors, including:

• Thorough supervision of high-risk pregnancies
• Vigilance for signs of fetal distress
• Decisive action to reduce the incidence of MAS
• Interventions like amnioinfusion, which dilutes meconium in the amniotic fluid
• Inducing labor to avoid post-term complications

These strategies can be employed to prevent MAS.

Immediate post-birth care is equally important. Suctioning the newborn’s mouth, nose, and airways can help remove meconium and minimize the risk of aspiration. Proper neonatal care, including diligent monitoring and treatment, is critical if MAS occurs.

Seek Justice with Peter Angelos Law

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome is a medical condition with significant legal implications when medical malpractice is involved. Understanding the medical and legal aspects of MAS is imperative for families seeking justice and compensation. At Peter Angelos Law, we are dedicated to guiding you through this challenging journey, leveraging our experience to advocate for the rights and future of your child.

Peter Angelos Law, with over fifty years of experience, has been a steadfast support for Maryland residents, extending experience in personal injury, medical malpractice, and birth injury cases. We understand the financial and emotional weight of these situations, which is why we provide free case evaluations and work on a contingency fee basis, ensuring you don’t face any upfront costs.

Our firm is adept at handling the intricacies of MAS cases, drawing on our extensive experience to advocate for your family’s rights and well-being. With a commitment to personalized care, we ensure that our clients feel supported and understood every step of the way.

If you suspect that your child’s struggle with Meconium Aspiration Syndrome is the result of medical negligence, it’s crucial to act swiftly to protect your rights and secure the future they deserve. Peter Angelos Law is your dedicated partner in this fight. With over five decades of experience in birth injury cases, we have the experience and compassion to help you through this. Don’t let the opportunity for justice and compensation slip away. 

Call us now at 410-705-2405 for a free case evaluation and take the first step towards the advocacy your family needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you sue for meconium aspiration?

Yes, if your child developed lung problems from meconium aspiration, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit against your doctor or her staff.

Is meconium aspiration a birth injury?

Yes, meconium aspiration can be considered a birth injury, leading to potential brain damage if the baby does not receive enough oxygen during labor. Permanent brain damage, including conditions like cerebral palsy, can occur in severe cases.

Can meconium aspiration cause brain damage?

Meconium aspiration can potentially cause brain damage in infants, especially if it leads to a lack of oxygen, which may result in serious complications and long-term effects on the brain. It is important to seek medical attention promptly if you suspect meconium aspiration in a newborn.

What are the legal steps to take if I suspect my child’s meconium aspiration was due to medical negligence?

If you suspect that your child’s meconium aspiration syndrome was a result of medical negligence, the first step is to consult with a birth injury lawyer who takes such cases. The lawyer will evaluate the details of your case, including reviewing medical records and consulting with medical experts. If there is a basis for a claim, your attorney will guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit to seek compensation for damages incurred. It is important to act promptly due to the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a meconium aspiration syndrome lawsuit in Maryland?

In Maryland, the law stipulates that a lawsuit for meconium aspiration syndrome must be filed within five years of the child’s birth or within three years of the date when the injury was discovered, whichever is earlier. It’s important to consult with a birth injury attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your case is filed within the legal time limits.