Orland Park, Illinois Meconium Aspiration Attorneys

Lawyers For MAS Birth Injury Cases in Orland Park, IL

There are numerous complications that can take place during childbirth. If issues that affect a child's health are not addressed quickly and effectively, serious injuries can occur, and they can lead to long-term health issues, permanent disabilities, or even death. The inhalation of fecal matter known as meconium is one issue that may arise, and it can lead to a condition known as meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). In some cases, infants who are affected by MAS can develop significant health problems. When doctors, nurses, or other delivery room personnel fail to recognize and respond to this issue, they may be held responsible for birth injuries that occur as a result.

At Schwartz Injury Law, our attorneys can perform a full investigation to determine if medical negligence involving MAS or other complications led to birth injuries. We work with families to address the effects of injuries that have affected children, making sure they will have the resources they need to provide the proper care for their child. By helping families obtain compensation from the parties who were responsible for birth injuries, we can help them prepare to meet their child's needs and avoid financial difficulties in the future.

What Causes Meconium Aspiration?

Meconium is the initial feces passed by a child, usually soon after they are born. Unlike regular feces, meconium is thick, with a tar-like consistency. In some cases, a child may pass meconium prior to birth, and it may mix with amniotic fluid in the uterus. The child may then inhale the meconium during labor and delivery, leading to meconium aspiration syndrome. Because of its thick texture, meconium inhaled into the lungs may coat surfaces in a child's airways, this can affect their ability to receive enough oxygen, and it could potentially lead to hypoxia or other complications, including lung tissue irritation or infections.

MAS may occur due to fetal distress during labor. When stress is placed on a child's body by strong contractions, or when their heart rate becomes elevated for other reasons, they will be more likely to pass meconium, increasing the chances of meconium aspiration. Other cases where meconium aspiration may occur include pregnancies longer than 40 weeks or uterine infections. In situations where there is a risk of meconium aspiration, doctors and nurses should pay attention to the potential signs of MAS, which may include:

• Low heart rate prior to birth
• Rapid, labored, or suspended breathing
• Body limpness
• Blue or green skin discoloration
• Long nails or other signs of an overdue baby
• Meconium or dark green streaks in amniotic fluid

Meconium Aspiration Treatment

If a doctor believes a baby has inhaled meconium, treatment can begin during delivery with the insertion of a laryngoscope into the baby's trachea to remove meconium. After delivery, doctors and nurses should check for breathing difficulties, and a blood test or X-ray can help diagnose any concerns. If a child displays good vital signs, medical staff should still watch for signs of meconium aspiration like quick breathing, grunting, and bluish skin discoloration that might develop in the first 24 hours after birth.

Infants with MAS might be sent to a neonatal intensive care unit for oxygen therapy, antibiotics, or more extensive treatment. Newborns with severe MAS who require mechanical ventilation may face an increased risk of lung conditions such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, collapsed lung, or aspiration pneumonia. These conditions should be addressed immediately to help prevent ongoing health concerns affecting the respiratory system.

Babies that are severely impacted by MAS could develop chronic lung disease, hearing loss, or other abnormalities. Hypoxia that occurs because of blockages in a child's airways could lead to brain injuries or cerebral palsy. At Schwartz Injury Law, we can help families recover compensation for injuries related to meconium aspiration or other forms of negligence that caused a child to suffer harm. We have helped numerous clients achieve success in cases where injuries were caused by medical negligence, including multi-million-dollar awards for families who have been affected by birth injuries. We always work to ensure that our clients receive the maximum amount of compensation available.

Contact Our Orland Park Meconium Aspiration Injury Lawyers

When a child has developed health problems due to meconium aspiration or other incorrect medical procedures during childbirth, our Orland Park birth injury attorneys can provide the legal help needed to help them obtain the full compensation they deserve. Call 708-888-2160 for a free consultation.