An umbilical cord wrapped around a baby’s neck is a condition known as a nuchal cord. It happens more often than most expect and in many cases, it causes no harm. But when a nuchal cord is ignored, mismanaged, or handled too late, the results can be devastating. In Pennsylvania, not every birth injury caused by a nuchal cord qualifies as medical negligence, but some do. Knowing when a case crosses that line is critical. If you believe your child suffered due to a medical error during delivery, contact Latona Law today for a free legal consultation. Your family deserves answers and justice.
What Is a Nuchal Cord?
A nuchal cord is a condition where the umbilical cord loops around the baby’s neck during pregnancy or labor. It can be loose or tight and may wrap around the neck once or multiple times. While many babies are born healthy even with a nuchal cord, complications can arise when the cord becomes compressed, restricting oxygen or blood flow to the baby.
Most doctors are trained to identify and manage nuchal cords during delivery. The problem starts when warning signs are missed, ignored, or misinterpreted. When that happens, what could have been a manageable situation may result in a serious birth injury.
When Does a Nuchal Cord Become Medical Negligence?
Not all poor outcomes mean a doctor was negligent. However, there are situations where the care provided falls below accepted medical standards. In Pennsylvania, a valid medical negligence case requires proving that the provider’s actions, or lack of action, caused preventable harm. With nuchal cord cases, these are the most common signs of negligence:
Lack of Fetal Monitoring
During labor, fetal heart rate monitoring is essential. If the baby shows signs of distress, like abnormal heart rates or sudden drops in oxygen level, medical staff should act quickly. A failure to recognize these signs or respond in time can be considered negligent, especially if the distress is linked to a nuchal cord.
Delay in Delivery
If medical staff know or suspect a nuchal cord and still delay delivery, that may be a sign of negligence. Sometimes a quick decision to perform a cesarean section can prevent brain damage, loss of oxygen, or other complications. Waiting too long could allow a manageable issue to become a life-altering injury.
Failure to Diagnose or Plan
Ultrasounds and prenatal monitoring may give clues about possible umbilical cord issues. If warning signs were present but not investigated or addressed in a delivery plan, medical staff may be responsible for any resulting harm.
Poor Communication or Documentation
Medical professionals are required to document their findings, decisions, and treatment steps. If those records are incomplete or inconsistent, it may point to rushed or careless care. Lack of proper communication between doctors and nurses can also lead to critical delays in treatment.
Common Injuries Linked to Nuchal Cord Negligence
When a nuchal cord is mishandled, the baby may suffer from lack of oxygen, which can cause serious and lifelong damage. Some of the most severe outcomes include:
- Cerebral palsy
- Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
- Developmental delays
- Seizures
- Stillbirth
These are not simply medical conditions. They are life-changing challenges that affect the child, the parents, and often the extended family. When negligence is the cause, the family may be entitled to compensation to cover medical expenses, ongoing care, therapy, and more.
Why You Need Legal Help Right Away
Medical negligence cases in Pennsylvania must be filed within a specific time frame. In most cases, families have two years from the date the injury is discovered. For injuries at birth, there may be extensions, but it is always best to act quickly. These cases are complex and require deep investigation into medical records, expert medical opinions, and a full understanding of the legal process.
At Latona Law, our team is experienced in handling birth injury cases across Pennsylvania. We focus on the details others overlook. We gather medical records, consult experts, and fight for families who need answers and accountability. Our goal is to make sure no child suffers without a voice and no family goes unheard.
Contact Latona Law Today for a Free Legal Consultation
If your child was injured during birth and a nuchal cord was involved, do not assume it was just bad luck. You may have a valid medical negligence case, and you deserve to know the truth. Contact Latona Law today for a free legal consultation. We are here to listen, investigate, and help you understand your legal options. Let us fight for your child’s future while you focus on what matters most.