Warwick Birth Asphyxia Attorney

Protecting the Rights of Newborns and Families in Warwick, RI

When the birth of your child is marred by preventable complications, it’s more than heartbreaking—it can be life-altering. Birth asphyxia is one such complication, and it can lead to devastating consequences for your baby and your family. If you suspect that medical negligence led to your child’s injury, a skilled Warwick birth asphyxia lawyer at Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. can help you seek justice.

Contact us at (401) 200-4059 to schedule a free consultation.

What is Birth Asphyxia?

Birth asphyxia occurs when a baby doesn’t receive enough oxygen before, during, or immediately after birth. This lack of oxygen can result in serious medical complications, including permanent brain damage, developmental delays, or even death.

There are two primary stages of oxygen deprivation:

1. Anoxia: A complete lack of oxygen.
2. Hypoxia: A partial lack of oxygen.

Birth asphyxia may present symptoms like low heart rate, poor reflexes, weak breathing, blue or pale skin, and seizures. In some cases, the full effects of the injury may not appear until months or years later.

Common Causes of Birth Asphyxia

While not all cases of birth asphyxia are preventable, many stem from medical negligence. Doctors, nurses, and hospitals are responsible for monitoring fetal distress and ensuring a safe labor and delivery process.

Some of the most common causes of birth asphyxia include:

• Prolonged or difficult labor: Extended labor increases the risk of oxygen deprivation.
• Improper use of delivery tools: Forceps or vacuum extraction, if used incorrectly, can injure the baby and delay delivery.
• Placental or umbilical cord issues: Umbilical cord prolapse, placental abruption, or cord compression can restrict oxygen flow.
• Failure to monitor fetal distress: A lack of timely response to signs of fetal distress is a major cause of preventable birth asphyxia.
• Delayed C-section: When emergency cesarean sections are not performed quickly enough, the baby can suffer serious oxygen deprivation.

If any of these factors were present during your labor and delivery in Warwick, you may have grounds for a legal claim.

Who is Liable for Birth Asphyxia?

Medical professionals have a duty of care to both mother and child during the birthing process. When that duty is breached, the consequences can be severe. Determining liability for birth asphyxia typically involves identifying whether a healthcare provider’s actions—or lack thereof—fell below acceptable medical standards.

Possible liable parties include:

• Obstetricians
• Nurses
• Midwives
• Hospitals or birthing centers
• Anesthesiologists or other attending specialists

At Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C., our experienced Warwick birth asphyxia attorneys thoroughly investigate medical records, consult expert witnesses, and build strong cases to hold negligent parties accountable.

FAQs About Birth Asphyxia Claims in Warwick, RI

How do I know if birth asphyxia was caused by medical malpractice?

If your child was diagnosed with birth asphyxia and there were complications during delivery, it’s important to consult with a Warwick birth asphyxia lawyer. Our legal team can review your medical records and consult with experts to determine whether negligence occurred.

What damages can I recover in a birth asphyxia lawsuit?

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Special education or therapy costs
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages (in rare, egregious cases)

How long do I have to file a claim in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s statute of limitations for medical malpractice is generally three years, but there are exceptions for minors and cases involving delayed discovery of harm. Contact us as soon as possible to preserve your rights.

Will filing a claim impact my relationship with the hospital or doctor?

It’s understandable to worry about future care, but your child’s long-term health and financial security come first. Filing a claim is a legal right—not a personal attack. We handle the legal complexities so you can focus on your family.

Why Choose Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C.?

When dealing with a medical malpractice case involving your child, you need more than legal experience—you need compassion, dedication, and relentless advocacy. That’s exactly what you’ll find at Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C..

Here’s how we can help:

• Free consultation: Discuss your case with no upfront cost.
• No fee unless we win: We work on a contingency basis.
• In-depth case review: We partner with leading medical experts.
• Personalized representation: We focus on your family’s specific needs and goals.
• Proven results: Our attorneys have successfully resolved complex birth injury cases throughout Rhode Island.

Let us get started on your case by calling (401) 200-4059 or filling out our online contact form.