After a new mother gives birth, she depends on doctors and nurses in the hospital to provide appropriate care for her newborn baby and for her own recovery. Such care must include careful monitoring of both mother and baby to make sure that both are healthy and properly recovering from the labor and delivery process. In some cases, such as when a caesarean section was performed, a mother might need antibiotics or pain medications administered. In the event that hospital staff in Massachusetts or anywhere else makes a mistake when delivering such medicine, birth injuries can result.
A family whose newborn suffered breathing and temperature problems has accused a nurse of improperly giving the infant intravenous pain medication that was intended for the child’s mother. The child’s father noticed that his one-day old baby’s body became rigid after he says a nurse placed something in the baby’s IV. When the child’s health started to suffer, the father realized what happened and advised the hospital that he believed the cause of the baby’s illness was an adult dose of pain medication administered by the nurse. The infant was transferred to another medical center where he spent four or five days. Law enforcement has obtained a search warrant against the nurse, and hospital administration is cooperating with the investigation.
It is a terrible tragedy when a newborn suffers birth injuries due to a negligent nurse, doctor, or member of a medical team. New parents can suffer extreme stress and emotional distress especially when the error leads to long-term care or a permanent disability. In such case, it can be helpful to speak with an attorney who specializes in medical malpractice cases. Legal counsel can review whether the family may be entitled to compensation for their damages.
Source: The Huffington Post, “Nurse Allegedly Gives Baby Painkillers Meant For Mom In Hospital Mix-Up,” Aug. 13, 2013
