Meconium Aspiration Attorney in Portland
Winning Birth Injury Cases in Portland Since 2010
Meconium aspiration syndrome is a birth injury that is caused by negligence or omissions on the part of medical care providers. If your newborn was injured as a result of meconium aspiration, call Angel Law, P.C. for an experienced Portland birth injury lawyer to review your case, help you determine the cause, and decide if there are grounds for legal action.
Please call (503) 862-8666 or contact us online to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.
What Is Meconium?
Meconium is a dark green fecal substance (stool) produced in an infant’s intestines prior to birth. In normal cases, a newborn baby will pass meconium during the first day or few days of his/her life. However, when an infant becomes distressed during the labor or birthing process, the unborn baby can pass meconium inside the womb. This poses a serious threat to the baby. When an infant passes meconium stool inside the womb, the meconium mixes with the amniotic fluid surrounding the baby. He or she can then aspirate (breathe) the meconium/amniotic fluid mixture into his or her lungs; this is known as meconium aspiration syndrome, or MAS. While MAS is often not life-threatening, it can lead to a number of serious complications and, if it is not treated properly, it could jeopardize the health and life of your newborn.
What Causes Meconium Aspiration?
Meconium aspiration is caused by fetal distress, including insufficient oxygen and other stressors that affect the baby in the womb or during birth. Doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals are responsible for monitoring infants for signs of distress and responding properly. Failure to do so often constitutes negligence.
What does this mean for you? If your baby suffered complications as a result of meconium aspiration syndrome, including meconium aspiration pneumonia or meconium aspiration syndrome brain damage, you may have the right to file a claim against a negligent delivery room doctor, nurse, midwife, or another person or party who is liable.
Damages Caused by Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
When babies are in fetal distress, they may discharge meconium (stool) prior to birth. If meconium is present in the amniotic sac or birth canal, there is a danger of the baby aspirating it, which can cause a wide variety of complications. When the medical staff fails to act quickly, meconium aspiration syndrome may result and cause injury to the baby.
Birth injuries caused by meconium aspiration may include:
- Hypoxic brain injuries
- Cerebral palsy
- Blocked airways
- Persistent pulmonary hypertension
- Pneumonia
- Other serious birth injuries
- Wrongful death
A newborn with meconium aspiration syndrome may be at risk for serious complications and lasting damage. When the injury was caused by medical negligence and failure to provide prompt medical attention to mitigate the risks, you may be entitled to compensation for your baby’s medical care and future medical needs.
Compensation for Your Baby’s Medical Care Needs
Doctors often try to avoid accepting responsibility for meconium aspiration syndrome and other birth injuries. Our Portland birth injury lawyer, Attorney Patrick Angel, will review your baby’s medical records to determine the cause of the injury and advise you about the possibility of recovering compensation. The initial consultation is always free, so there is no risk to learning about your options.
If your baby was injured due to meconium aspiration, call (503) 862-8666 for a consultation.
Client Testimonials
Read What Our Clients Are Saying About Us
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"Has encyclopedic knowledge of the law and has an extensive network of experts to call on."Excellent attorney, highly recommend. Very patient, thorough, compassionate, pragmatic and tough. Has encyclopedic knowledge of the law and has an extensive network of experts to call on or refer to as necessary.- Heather A.
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"He and his team were efficient, caring, and very communicative throughout the entire process."A true professional. When I got hit by a car while riding my bike to work, I was left with hefty medical bills and lost wages. Luckily, I was fortunate enough to have Patrick handle my case. He and his team were efficient, caring, and very communicative throughout the entire process. I would happily refer Patrick to friends and family should they need legal services. He really cares about his clients and results.- Avvo User
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"We were very impressed with Patrick's work. He handled our legal matter with expertise and diligence."We were very impressed with Patrick's work because he always communicated with us, kept us informed and involved us in the process. Patrick handled our legal matter with expertise and diligence. We were really very happy with the work he did for us.- Avvo User
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"He showed that he was willing to go the lengths needed to help my case succeed."Patrick is amazing to work with. He showed he was there on top of things and was very professional. He showed that he was willing to go the lengths needed to help my case succeed. I am very pleased with the results and am very happy to refer him to anyone and everyone. Great person and very compassionate as well as hard-working. He shows his clients that he is there for them. I never felt like I was a back burner or that he was hurrying or rushing my case. Patric stuck it out with me. Patrick is an amazing lawyer.- Avvo User
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"Patrick Angel is compassionate, caring and always available."Patrick Angel is compassionate, caring and always available. I felt very supported when Patrick represented me. I was amazed at how he drove three hours to meet with me. Most would simply have a phone call, but Patrick makes the added effort to connect to better understand me and the situation.- Joe H.
Why Choose Us?
See What Sets Angel Law, P.C. Apart
Angel Law, P.C. is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.
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High Profile CasesRegardless of the size, scope, or difficulty of your case, our firm is prepared to fight for you.
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Experience In The CourtroomOur attorney has extensive trial experience and never backs down from a challenge.
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Attention to DetailUnlike larger firms that rely on paralegals or aides, our attorney will work directly on your case.
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