Questions?What Is a Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Claim?
A meconium aspiration syndrome claim seeks compensation for birth injuries caused by medical negligence. These medical malpractice lawsuits help families cover medical costs, therapy, and long-term care.
MAS happens when a newborn inhales meconium before, during, or right after birth. Meconium is a thick, dark-green substance that is normally passed after birth.
If a baby is in distress before delivery, they may pass meconium early, mixing it with the amniotic fluid. If inhaled, this can block the airways, reduce oxygen levels, cause lung irritation, and block surfactant (a natural substance that helps open the lungs).
While some babies recover, others may face long-term complications affecting their health and development.
Birth injury compensation for meconium aspiration helps families afford the care their child needs. Most meconium aspiration syndrome claims are settled out of court, allowing quicker access to money without the hassle of a trial.
The Birth Injury Justice Center works with personal injury lawyers who can help families in all 50 states. Our legal partners have secured over $1 billion for families, including birth injury compensation for meconium aspiration.
Find out if we can help your family — get a free case review now.
Birth Injury Compensation for Meconium Aspiration
Birth injury compensation for meconium aspiration claims varies based on the severity of the baby’s condition and how much care they may need in the future.
In cases of severe harm or when medical errors are extreme, multimillion-dollar meconium aspiration syndrome settlements may be awarded.
- $14.5 million for a baby who suffered severe brain damage after doctors failed to respond to signs of fetal distress and thick meconium
- $3.25 million after doctors delayed a C-section despite clear signs of fetal distress and thick meconium
- $2.5 million for a child after doctors missed signs of fetal distress and failed to order a timely C-section
- $3.2 million to a family whose baby suffered permanent brain damage due to delayed treatment for MAS
- $4.1 million on behalf of a newborn with a hypoxic brain injury caused by meconium in the baby’s lungs
If your child suffered MAS complications, you may be eligible for compensation, too. A birth injury lawyer can review the facts of your case and fight for enough meconium aspiration syndrome claim compensation to pay for lifetime care.
Call the Birth Injury Justice Center now at (800) 914-1562 or Click to Live Chat to see if a top birth injury lawyer may be able to file a meconium aspiration syndrome claim for you.
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Claims and Medical Malpractice
Obstetricians and other medical professionals are trained to monitor fetal health and manage complications like MAS. When they fail to do so, their negligence may be considered medical malpractice.
- Delaying a necessary C-section: Prolonged labor increases the risk of meconium-stained amniotic fluid and inhalation.
- Failing to monitor fetal distress: An abnormal heart rate can mean oxygen deprivation, increasing MAS risk.
- Mismanaging meconium-stained fluid: Failing to recognize and respond to this warning sign can lead to breathing problems and infection.
- Neglecting to clear a newborn’s airway: Immediate suctioning and respiratory support are critical to prevent aspiration.
- Withholding proper neonatal care: Delays in oxygen therapy, antibiotics, or ventilator support can worsen complications like persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN).
Severe MAS can cause long-term health issues, requiring extensive medical care. In the worst cases, babies may suffer brain damage, respiratory failure, or even death. Families may face expensive treatments, missed work, and emotional distress.
If the cause of MAS complications in your baby could have been prevented, you may have legal options. A skilled attorney may be able to fight for birth injury compensation for meconium aspiration to lessen the financial burden of your child’s health conditions.
Who Can File a Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Claim?
Families of children impacted by birth injuries due to MAS may be able to file a meconium aspiration syndrome claim to pursue compensation if medical negligence was involved.
- Parents: The child’s primary caregivers who have been directly impacted
- Legal guardians: Individuals with legal responsibility for the child
MAS may be diagnosed immediately after birth if a baby shows signs of respiratory distress, such as difficulty breathing, low oxygen levels, or a bluish tint to the skin.
However, complications from MAS, like lung damage, developmental delay, or neurological issues from oxygen deprivation, may not become apparent until weeks, months, or even years later.
Even without an official diagnosis, families affected by MAS may still have legal options. Our team can help determine if you qualify to file a meconium aspiration syndrome claim for compensation.
Reach out to one of our experienced labor and delivery nurses right now — for free.
Beth has more than 18 years of specialized experience in labor and delivery. She’s available to hear your story and help you figure out the cause of your child’s injury — and what you can do next.
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Call or chat with a caring, experienced nurse right now — we’re standing by to get you help and answers.
Seeking Birth Injury Compensation for Meconium Aspiration
Filing a meconium aspiration syndrome claim involves several key steps. A lawyer can handle all of the legal work, so you can focus on your child’s well-being.
Here are the steps to pursue birth injury compensation for meconium aspiration:
- Free case review: Top birth injury law firms offer free legal consultations to determine if you may have a case. Get your free case review right now.
- Collect evidence: Your legal team will gather key evidence, witness testimony, and expert opinions to build a strong meconium aspiration syndrome claim.
- File the meconium aspiration syndrome claim: Your attorney will file a birth injury lawsuit in the proper court and ensure all legal deadlines are met.
- Negotiate a settlement: Your lawyer will work to secure a meconium aspiration syndrome claim settlement, so you can access compensation as quickly as possible.
If your meconium aspiration syndrome claim doesn’t settle, your legal team will be ready to fight for your family in court to pursue compensation through a trial verdict.
However, most birth injury claims settle out of court, allowing families to receive financial support without the added stress of a trial.
Factors That Affect Birth Injury Compensation for Meconium Aspiration
Several factors may impact the compensation families receive from a meconium aspiration syndrome claim.
For example, when MAS leads to severe complications like brain damage, respiratory failure, or long-term disabilities, compensation may be substantial.
- Costs of birth injury treatments, like oxygen therapy, ventilators, or surgery
- Degree of medical malpractice involved
- Pain and suffering experienced by the baby and family
- Severity of the baby’s respiratory distress or related injuries
- Long-term impact, such as developmental delays or chronic lung disease
State laws may also influence birth injury compensation for meconium aspiration, as filing deadlines and damages often vary by location.
The Birth Injury Justice Center works with experienced attorneys who can calculate your child’s lifetime care costs and fight for the compensation your family deserves.
Get a free case review to see if we may be able to help you, too.
When to File a Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Claim
Families should consider seeking birth injury compensation for meconium aspiration as soon as they suspect their child’s condition could have been prevented.
Acting without delay is important due to the statute of limitations, a deadline that limits the amount of time you have to take legal action. Once this window passes, you won’t be able to file a meconium aspiration syndrome claim again.
An experienced birth injury lawyer can explain the time limit that applies to your case and ensure your MAS lawsuit is filed correctly and on time.
Call us right now at (800) 914-1562 — while there’s still time.
Get Help Filing Your Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Claim
No family should have to face the financial and emotional burden of a preventable birth injury.
Birth injury compensation for meconium aspiration can make the path ahead easier by lessening any financial worries you have about providing your child with the best possible medical care.
We’ve partnered with experienced lawyers who can help families in all 50 states and hold negligent medical providers accountable.
Our legal partners have secured over $1 billion for families affected by preventable birth injuries, and we may be able to help your family, too.
Call us at (800) 914-1562 right now or fill out our case review form to see if we may be able to help your family seek compensation.
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Claim FAQs
Can you sue for meconium aspiration?
Yes, you may be able to sue for MAS if medical negligence contributed to your baby’s condition.
Delayed treatment or failure to properly manage the situation could lead to serious harm. If your child suffered complications from meconium aspiration, we may be able to help.
Call the Birth Injury Justice Center right now at (800) 914-1562 to talk with one of our on-staff registered nurses.
Is meconium aspiration a birth injury?
Meconium aspiration syndrome can be considered a birth injury if medical negligence played a role. Doctors are expected to monitor for signs of fetal distress, clear the baby’s airway, and provide immediate respiratory support if needed.
Failure to do so can lead to serious complications, making a meconium aspiration syndrome claim possible.
What is the average payout for birth injury?
Settlements for birth injury cases, including complications from MAS, often exceed $1 million.
However, compensation depends on factors like the severity of harm, long-term care costs, and the overall impact on your child’s life.
A birth injury attorney can assess your potential medical malpractice claim and pursue the maximum compensation allowed by law to help cover medical expenses, therapy, lost wages, and other damages.
Get a free case review to find out how much birth injury compensation for meconium aspiration you may be able to access.
How do you get compensation for a MAS birth injury?
Compensation is secured by filing a claim against the responsible health care provider or hospital. A birth injury lawyer gathers medical records, expert testimony, and evidence to prove medical negligence. Most cases settle out of court, but some cases may require a trial.
How are MAS settlement amounts determined?
Payouts depend on the severity of the birth injury, the level of medical malpractice, and long-term effects.
Factors like oxygen deprivation, ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) treatments, and intensive care unit stays impact compensation. Cases with clear fetal distress or a delayed C-section often receive higher settlements.
How much does it cost to file a meconium aspiration syndrome claim?
Most law firms handle birth injury lawsuits on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay anything upfront. You only pay legal fees if your lawyer secures birth injury compensation for meconium aspiration.
Additionally, birth injury lawyers provide free consultations to assess your case, so there’s no financial risk.
