Obstetrical Errors
Birth Should Be Safe - for Mother and Child
The birth of a child should be one of the most joyous moments in life. But when medical providers make preventable mistakes during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, the consequences can be devastating for both mother and baby.
At GPJ Legal, we represent families throughout New Mexico whose lives have been changed by obstetrical errors. With over 35 years of experience in civil trial litigation and medical negligence cases, we help parents seek answers, accountability, and justice when something goes wrong during the most vulnerable moments.
What Are Obstetrical Errors?
Obstetrical errors are medical mistakes made before, during, or shortly after childbirth. These may involve a failure to monitor, misjudging a medical emergency, or improper use of delivery tools.
Common examples include:
Failure to monitor fetal distress
Delayed C-sections or failure to perform one
Misuse of forceps or vacuum extraction
Oxygen deprivation (hypoxia)
Shoulder dystocia or improper handling during delivery
Failure to diagnose preeclampsia or gestational diabetes
Uterine rupture or hemorrhage
Errors leading to maternal death
These mistakes can result in long-term injury, disability, or death. We work with medical experts to assess the standard of care and determine what went wrong - and why it never should have happened.
Types of Injuries Caused by Obstetrical Malpractice
We represent families impacted by serious birth-related injuries such as:
Cerebral palsy or other brain injuries
Brachial plexus injuries (Erb’s palsy)
Skull fractures or nerve damage
Birth-related infections
Maternal injury or wrongful death
Emergency hysterectomy or loss of fertility
Our goal is to pursue justice while helping families secure the financial support they need to care for their child or recover from maternal harm.
What Compensation May Cover
In an obstetrical malpractice case, damages may include:
Ongoing medical care or therapy
Adaptive equipment or long-term support
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Lost income or earning capacity
Wrongful death damages (for mother or infant)
These cases often involve a lifetime of needs. We work with life care planners and medical professionals to fully understand and present the impact of the error.
Why Families Trust GPJ Legal for their Obstetrical Error cases
✔ Deep Litigation Experience
Obstetrical malpractice cases are medically complex and emotionally charged. We’re prepared to handle both - with strength and sensitivity.
✔ Strategic Advantage
We’ve represented both plaintiffs and insurers in high-value litigation. That insight gives our clients a strategic edge.
✔ Respectful, Compassionate Advocacy
We treat every family with care and respect. We’re not here to make empty promises - we’re here to take action that makes a difference.
What are obstetrical errors in New Mexico hospitals?
Doctors, nurses, hospitals, and even anesthesiologists can be liable if their negligence leads to injury. Hospitals are also responsible for poor staffing or training policies that contribute to substandard care. GPJ Legal investigates medical records and consults experts to identify all parties accountable for obstetric malpractice.
Who can be held responsible for an obstetrical mistake?
Doctors, nurses, hospitals, and even anesthesiologists can be liable if their negligence leads to injury. Hospitals are also responsible for poor staffing or training policies that contribute to substandard care. GPJ Legal investigates medical records and consults experts to identify all parties accountable for obstetric malpractice.
What injuries can result from obstetrical negligence?
Birth-related negligence can cause brain injuries, shoulder dystocia, oxygen deprivation, and maternal hemorrhage. These injuries often lead to long-term disabilities such as cerebral palsy or developmental delays. Families may face years of medical expenses and emotional distress.
How can I prove an obstetrical error occurred?
You must show that a medical professional breached the standard of care and that the breach directly caused injury. Evidence includes medical records, fetal-monitoring data, and expert testimony from qualified obstetricians. Prompt investigation ensures that key documentation is preserved.
What compensation can parents recover after a birth injury?
Compensation may include medical bills, future care costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. In cases of severe or permanent injury, courts may also award damages for lifelong therapy and special education needs.
Can I sue for emotional distress after a traumatic delivery?
Yes. New Mexico law allows recovery for emotional harm when a negligent act causes serious trauma or loss. Both parents may seek compensation when medical mistakes lead to long-term emotional suffering. GPJ Legal helps families calculate both financial and non-economic damages.
Is there a time limit to file an obstetrical malpractice claim?
Typically, medical malpractice claims must be filed within three years of the incident, but exceptions exist for minors or cases involving delayed discovery of injury. Acting quickly protects your right to recover damages.
What role do medical experts play in these cases?
Expert witnesses review medical records to explain how accepted standards were violated. Their opinions are crucial for proving negligence and quantifying damages.
Can hospitals be sued for negligent policies or staffing issues?
Yes. Hospitals have a duty to ensure qualified personnel and adequate supervision. Failure to provide safe staffing levels or proper training can make the facility directly liable.
When should I contact an obstetrical malpractice attorney?
As soon as an injury is suspected. GPJ Legal’s medical-malpractice team works with leading experts to uncover negligence and pursue justice for affected mothers and children.
