Meconium Aspiration

Meconium aspiration occurs when a baby passes a stool (known as a meconium) during birth and aspirates, or breathes it in. Meconium is usually visible as a brown or green substance in the amniotic fluid and it can be a sign that the baby is in distress. If meconium aspiration occurs, the infant can experience chemical pneumonia, which can be life-threatening. An infant who suffers from Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS), as this situation is sometimes called, may also not get enough oxygen to the brain and may experience brain injury.

If your child has suffered a birth injury or brain injury in Miami or another area hospital due to meconium aspiration, contact the Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation to discuss your situation. Depending upon your circumstances, you may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Miami or your community or you may be able to seek compensation through other means so that you have the financial resources to provide the best care possible for your child.

Usually, a baby first passes a stool after birth and after the first feeding. If there is meconium present in the amniotic fluid or is present on the infant at the time of birth, doctors and medical professionals can take steps to reduce the impact of the injury:

• They can suction the baby’s throat, mouth, and nose to remove the meconium
• They can insert a tube into the baby’s windpipe to section out any meconium that may have entered the throat or lungs
• They can place the baby on a ventilator or supply oxygen to ensure that the infant’s brain gets enough oxygen

It is crucial that an expectant mother is carefully monitored so that any meconium in the amniotic fluid is noticed and the situation treated. If a baby is born with meconium already present, it is important for medical staff to act quickly to prevent pneumonia, cerebral palsy, or other serious complications. When medical staff fail to do this, parents may be able to seek a medical malpractice claim in Miami or the community where the child was delivered.

If you are not sure whether you have a claim, you may wish to consult with a personal injury attorney in Miami or your community. An experienced attorney can investigate the case and can help you understand whether a birth injury could have been prevented if the medical staff or hospital had exercised correct standards of medical care.

The Flaxman Law Group can review the circumstances that led to your child’s injury. They can help you understand what choices you have and what steps you can take to protect your family and your child. If you decide to file a personal injury claim in Miami or your community, the legal staff at the Flaxman Law Group has extensive resources – including access to medical experts – to build a strong case for you and your family. The Flaxman Law Group is a full-service law firm, so the legal professionals can take care of all the details while you focus on your child and your family. Contact the Flaxman Law Group today for your free, no obligation consultation and case evaluation.