Emerging Medical Care Issues
Birth Injury
According to the U.S. Government, Group B Streptococcus (GBS) has been the leading bacterial infection associated with illness and death amongst newborns for the past 30 years. Prevention of Perinatal GBS; Public Health Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 31, 1996. Approximately 10 - 30% of all American women are silent carriers of GBS. Unprotected children born to these women may contract GBS during vaginal deliveries. The U.S. Government also reported in 1996 that children born to mothers who were identified during pregnancy as GBS carriers had 29 times the risk of early onset of the disease. Newborn GBS death is fully preventable if carrier moms receive antibiotics during delivery and their children are carefully observed for any signs of infection during the first 48 hours following birth. The Center for Disease Control has encouraged a GBS screening protocol for all pregnant women during their third trimesters, along with the administration of I.V. antibiotics during delivery to any carrier moms.
Wrongful Death Cause
Pulmonary embolism (PE) has been called the leading cause of preventable hospital death. A PE is a traveling blood clot that hits the lungs. Most clots originate in the area that generally includes the groin to beyond the calves. When the clots are forming in the lower extremities they are known as deep vein thromboses or DVTs. These are treated with Heparin or an equivalent blood thinner. DVTs can become fatal if they are allowed to grow and ultimately break off and travel to the lungs where they interfere with the lungs' ability to exchange oxygen. Those who are at particular risk of pulmonary embolism include those who have undergone surgery, especially in the abdomen, hip, or knees. Other risk factors include persons over 40, those suffering from obesity, hip fractures, major trauma and spinal cord injury. If DVTs or PEs are promptly diagnosed and treated, more than 90% of those patients will recover without any permanent injury.
It is knowledge such as this that should prompt you to contact The Law Office of Raymond J. Slomski immediately if you have been injured in a medical setting. Only experience and a successful track record can fully assure you that your case is being handled properly. Assert your rights today by contacting the firm.
