Questions?What Is a Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Lawyer?
A meconium aspiration syndrome lawyer is a birth injury attorney who represents families affected by the condition when it is caused by inadequate care.
Meconium aspiration syndrome may lead to long-term health problems for the infant, like asthma. In severe cases, it can cause brain damage or even death if a baby experiences a prolonged lack of oxygen.
MAS requires swift medical intervention to safeguard the well-being of newborns. Without timely intervention, infants may suffer from various birth injuries associated with MAS.
- Aspiration pneumonia (infection of the lungs caused by the inhalation of meconium)
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (lack of blood or oxygen flow causing brain dysfunction)
- Persistent pulmonary hypertension (high pressure in the lungs that can lead to lung and heart failure)
- Pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs)
- Pneumothorax (Lung collapse where air escapes the lungs and they cannot properly expand)
- Respiratory distress syndrome (breathing disorder seen after delivery)
If your newborn baby suffered from harm after MAS during childbirth, medical negligence may have contributed to their condition. An experienced meconium aspiration syndrome lawyer may be able to help you pursue compensation for your child’s injuries.
The birth injury lawyers in our network have helped families across the country recover over $862 million for birth injuries, including MAS. Find out if they can help you pursue the justice and financial compensation your family deserves.
Get a free case evaluation right now.
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome and Medical Malpractice
When MAS happens, it’s important for doctors and nurses to act quickly to lessen any harm to the baby. Sometimes, though, health care providers might fall short, and that could be considered medical malpractice.
- Cesarean section delays: Not performing a needed C-section promptly when the baby shows signs of distress
- Delayed treatment: Delaying or incorrectly managing MAS symptoms, leading to further complications
- Failure to address maternal risk factors: Overlooking maternal infections, preeclampsia, hypertension, high blood pressure, or intrauterine distress that could impact the baby
- Improper resuscitation methods: Making errors in neonatal resuscitation, particularly if the baby has inhaled meconium, potentially worsening their condition
- Inadequate fetal monitoring: Not watching the baby’s health during labor, missing signs of distress, like oxygen deprivation or meconium-stained amniotic fluid
If you suspect medical professionals could have prevented your child’s MAS, a meconium aspiration syndrome birth injury lawyer may be able to help. Find out right now with a free case evaluation.
How Can a Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Lawyer Help?
Meconium aspiration syndrome lawyers can simplify your role in the lawsuit process, handling all legal work on your behalf. They will create a tailored strategy for you and your family based on the specifics of your case.
Here is how a meconium aspiration syndrome lawyer can help:
- Provide a free consultation: They offer a free case review to see if you may have a valid MAS claim.
- Investigate the birth injury: Your lawyer carefully evaluates the details of your child’s birth to determine if meconium aspiration syndrome was caused by medical negligence.
- Collect evidence: Meconium aspiration syndrome lawyers gather medical records and bills, opinions from medical experts, and other relevant evidence to build a strong case.
- File the lawsuit: They handle each step of the legal process, ensuring all documents are filed correctly and within your case’s specific deadlines.
- Negotiate on your behalf: They will work to secure the highest birth injury settlement possible without you having to step foot in court.
- Represent you in court: If a fair birth injury settlement isn’t reached, they will take your MAS case to trial to fight for your family.
Hiring an experienced meconium aspiration syndrome lawyer lets you focus on caring for your child. In the meantime, your legal team will work hard to get your family the financial support and justice you deserve.
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Settlements and Verdicts
MAS settlements and verdicts provide the financial aid needed to care for children harmed at birth. Many birth injury settlements have awarded millions of dollars to families.
- $14.5 million in Pennsylvania for severe brain damage due to failure to adequately address signs of fetal distress and thick meconium
- $4.1 million in New York for a hypoxic brain injury for a newborn found with meconium-filled lungs
- $3.25 million in Massachusetts after a delayed C-section despite signs of fetal distress and thick meconium
Many families choose to work with experienced meconium aspiration syndrome lawyers to increase the compensation they receive in their birth injury lawsuit.
Get a free case review right now to see if you qualify to work with a meconium aspiration syndrome lawyer near you.
When Should I Hire a Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Lawyer?
Consider hiring a meconium aspiration syndrome birth injury lawyer as soon as you suspect medical providers may have caused or failed to prevent harm to your child.
It’s essential to act quickly because there’s a strict window of time allowed to file lawsuits, known as the statute of limitations. Once this deadline passes, you won’t be able to pursue compensation through legal action.
Each state has a specific deadline for birth injury cases, making it necessary to consult a meconium aspiration syndrome lawyer who understands the laws in your area.
By working with an experienced birth injury lawyer, you can ensure your case is filed before your deadline.
Don’t wait to find out what legal options you may have. Call our team at (800) 914-1562 or get a free case review right now.
How to Find the Best Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Lawyer
For a MAS medical malpractice lawsuit, it’s important to choose a lawyer with the right qualifications and attributes to advocate for your baby effectively.
Below are some qualities to look for in a meconium aspiration syndrome lawyer.
No Upfront Costs
Top meconium aspiration syndrome lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs, and you only pay legal fees if your attorney secures compensation for you from a birth injury settlement or trial verdict.
Track Record of Substantial Birth Injury Payouts
Your meconium aspiration syndrome lawyer should have a proven track record of successful birth injury claims. Attorneys with a history of obtaining large settlements and verdicts have a higher chance of getting the compensation you deserve.
The Birth Injury Justice Center partners with law firms that have recovered over $862 million for families of children who were harmed at birth, including babies with MAS. Our extensive legal network of top birth injury lawyers can help families in all 50 states.
Registered Nurses on Staff
Our legal partners have labor and delivery nurses on staff with decades of combined expertise. They are available to listen to your story and answer any questions you may have. Talking with a caring nurse can help you understand what could have gone wrong to cause your child to develop MAS.
Connect with a registered nurse right now.
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.
Experience With MAS Cases
Seek attorneys with a history of handling MAS and other birth injury cases. Skilled meconium aspiration syndrome lawyers know how to gather the evidence needed to build a strong case linking your child’s injury to medical negligence.
Connection to a Reputable Birth Injury Law Firm
Your attorney should also work at a trusted birth injury law firm. This allows them to partner with other birth injury lawyers on a case to get the best results for families. They also have access to extensive resources such as expert witnesses, paralegals, and other legal professionals.
Find Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Lawyers Near You
The Birth Injury Justice Center team understands that your child’s future is your top concern. We believe that having the right meconium aspiration syndrome lawyer can significantly improve the outcome of your case. This can help your family provide a better life for your child.
MAS cases can be challenging, requiring a lawyer who possesses both legal expertise and a commitment to advocating for your family’s unique needs.
Experienced meconium aspiration syndrome lawyers can provide clear guidance throughout the legal process, tirelessly fighting for your rights and pursuing the compensation your family deserves.
Contact us right now at (800) 914-1562 or get a free case review to find out how we can help your family improve your child’s future.
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Lawyer FAQs
Can I sue for meconium aspiration?
Yes, you may be able to sue for meconium aspiration syndrome if it has caused harm to your newborn that could have been avoided. This could include failing to detect and manage MAS or improper treatment during or after childbirth.
The Birth Injury Justice Center partners with some of the country’s best meconium aspiration syndrome lawyers. Find out if we can connect you right now with a free case review.
How much is a meconium aspiration syndrome settlement worth?
The average birth injury settlement is about $1 million. However, many families have received multimillion-dollar settlements in meconium aspiration syndrome cases.
For example, a Massachusetts case involving MAS settled for $5.5 million after a negligent midwife and labor nurse were found to have caused severe brain damage in an infant.
That said, the value of a meconium aspiration syndrome settlement is affected by various factors, such as the severity of the injury and the child’s expected medical needs.
Skilled meconium aspiration syndrome lawyers can assess the specifics of your case and tell you what you may be able to expect. We can connect you right now if you qualify — call our team at (800) 914-1562.
Is meconium aspiration a birth injury?
Meconium aspiration syndrome is not a birth injury itself. However, it can lead to complications that may be considered birth injuries.
MAS is a condition caused by newborns inhaling meconium (a baby’s first stool) and amniotic fluid. If it is not managed properly, it can cause respiratory conditions, oxygen loss that leads to brain damage, and even death.
What is the process of filing a meconium aspiration syndrome lawsuit?
Working with a skilled medical malpractice attorney is often the best first step to filing a meconium aspiration syndrome lawsuit.
A skilled attorney can:
- Gather evidence to build a strong case.
- File medical malpractice claim paperwork according to deadlines.
- Negotiate with the opposing parties for the largest settlement possible.
- Fight for you in court if the opposing party refuses to settle.
Do you have to hire a MAS lawyer to start a birth injury claim?
Having legal representation significantly strengthens your birth injury claim. A skilled attorney can navigate complex legal processes, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your rights, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.
What does a meconium aspiration syndrome lawyer cost?
The best meconium aspiration syndrome lawyers usually operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs.
You only pay if your lawyer secures compensation for you from a settlement or court award. This fee structure enables families to take legal action without financial risk.
What are the signs and symptoms of MAS?
Warning signs of MAS include:
- Abnormal heart rate or oxygen saturation levels
- Apnea (no breathing effort)
- Breathing problems like rapid or labored breathing
- Cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin, specifically on the face, mouth, and abdomen)
- Lethargy
- Limpness
In severe cases, medical experts may use extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the intensive care unit to support your baby’s heart and lungs and increase their oxygen supply.
