While most births occur without major complications, some deliveries involve serious emergencies where the baby is not breathing properly. In these cases, medical professionals may perform intubation to ensure the baby receives enough oxygen. Intubation is generally straightforward, but mistakes can happen and may have serious consequences.
Common intubation errors include delayed intubation, placing the breathing tube into the esophagus instead of the trachea, damage to the trachea, or complete failure to intubate. These mistakes can deprive the baby of oxygen, potentially leading to brain injury or other serious medical conditions. Hospitals are responsible for having trained staff available to respond immediately in these situations. Failure to do so may constitute negligence and can be grounds for a birth injury claim.
Call (214) 526-5595 to discuss your case in a free consultation.
Neonatal Resuscitation Errors
Neonatal resuscitation is the immediate care given to newborns who are not breathing properly. If a baby does not receive timely and proper resuscitation, the consequences can be severe. Medical staff are trained to follow specific procedures, including using intubation or a mask and monitoring oxygen levels. Errors in these procedures—such as delay, improper technique, or failure to act—can result in permanent injury.
When resuscitation errors occur, oxygen deprivation may continue for longer than necessary, increasing the risk of serious neurological damage. Prompt and skilled intervention is critical to protect the child’s health and reduce long-term complications.
Damages Associated With Intubation Errors
If a baby requires intubation and the doctor either makes a mistake or fails to administer oxygen in time, it can result in severe damage. For instance, if the doctor inserts the breathing tube in the esophagus instead of the trachea, meaning that the oxygen is going into the stomach rather than the lungs. This can mean the baby is still getting no oxygen, and can still suffer a possible stomach tear, brain damage, or even death. Failure to provide oxygen in time could result in the baby not getting enough oxygen for a prolonged period of time.
This can cause serious neurological damage as well as other injuries such as:
If your baby suffered because of intubation error after birth, contact our firm to determine if you have a claim. At Aldous Law, we have the skill and experience to represent families against negligent medical professionals whose inaction caused serious injury. We will stand by your side to help you hold the negligent party accountable for their actions.
Why Families Choose Aldous Law
At Aldous Law, our intubation error attorneys represent families across Texas. We help parents understand their rights and hold negligent medical professionals accountable. Our team reviews medical records, consults with healthcare experts, and guides families through every step of the legal process. We provide support for families dealing with the emotional and financial challenges of birth injuries, including those in Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Fort Worth.
Call (214) 526-5595 to learn more about your options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Intubation Errors in Texas
What is an intubation error at birth?
An intubation error occurs when a breathing tube is placed incorrectly, delayed, or fails to provide oxygen, potentially causing serious injury to a newborn.
How can intubation errors cause injury?
If oxygen is not delivered to the lungs in time, the baby may suffer brain damage, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, cerebral palsy, or other long-term complications.
Can families file a claim if their baby was injured due to intubation errors?
Yes. If medical professionals failed to act properly or timely during resuscitation, families may be entitled to compensation.
How do Texas birth injury attorneys help?
We investigate medical records, work with experts, and pursue compensation for medical care, therapy, special education, and lifelong support.
