Los Angeles Fetal Distress Lawyer
When something goes wrong during childbirth, the consequences can be devastating for both the baby and the family. Fetal distress is one such complication that, if not recognized and managed quickly, can lead to serious and permanent birth injuries. If your baby suffered harm due to delayed response to fetal distress in Los Angeles, you may be entitled to compensation.
Dr. Bruce Fagel is both a licensed physician and a medical malpractice attorney who has helped countless families recover after preventable labor and delivery mistakes. Call us today at (800) 541-9376 to find out how we can help your family recover. Your consultation is completely free and confidential.
Meet Dr. Bruce Fagel
Dr. Bruce G. Fagel
Attorney & Physician
Dr. Bruce G. Fagel (California Bar No. 103674) is a physician and attorney who represents plaintiffs in complex medical malpractice cases involving catastrophic injuries such as birth and brain damage, wrongful death, cerebral palsy, misdiagnosis of cancer, and nursing home negligence. He exclusively advocates for injured patients in cases against doctors and hospitals throughout California, Nevada, and nationwide with local counsel.
What Is Fetal Distress?
Fetal distress refers to signs before and during childbirth that indicate the baby is not well. Most commonly, it involves abnormal heart rate patterns, often signaling that the baby is not receiving enough oxygen. This lack of oxygen can lead to brain damage, cerebral palsy, or even death if not addressed immediately.
Doctors and labor teams are trained to monitor the baby’s condition using electronic fetal monitoring. Signs of fetal distress may include:
- Abnormal heart rate (too fast, too slow, or irregular)
- Meconium-stained amniotic fluid
- Reduced fetal movement
- Low oxygen levels
Timely action, such as changing the mother’s position, administering oxygen, or performing an emergency C-section, can prevent long-term harm.
How Medical Negligence Can Lead to Fetal Distress Injuries
When a doctor or nurse fails to identify or act on signs of fetal distress, the outcome can be catastrophic. These failures may include:
- Misinterpreting fetal heart rate tracings
- Ignoring warning signs or failing to order further testing
- Delaying a necessary C-section
- Poor communication among the medical team
If your baby suffered brain damage, seizures, developmental delays, or required NICU care due to these errors, medical malpractice may be to blame.
Why The Law Offices of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel & Associates?
Many attorneys handle personal injury cases, but few focus exclusively on medical malpractice involving catastrophic birth injuries. Dr. Bruce Fagel has both medical and legal training, and he has successfully handled more medical malpractice cases in California than any other attorney. In the last two years alone, he has secured over $100 million in settlements for children and adults seriously harmed by medical negligence.
When evaluating any attorney for a case this serious, ask:
- How many birth injury cases have they taken to trial and won?
- When was their last jury verdict in a brain injury case?
- How many fetal distress or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) cases have they settled?
- When was their most recent settlement in a similar case?
With Dr. Fagel, you can be confident that your case is in the hands of a lawyer who understands both the medical and legal complexity of your child’s injury.
Let Us Help You Find Answers
No parent should be left wondering if their baby’s injury could have been prevented. If you suspect that your child suffered harm due to mismanaged fetal distress during labor or delivery, we can help.
Call The Law Offices of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel & Associates now at (800) 541-9376 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation today.
