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Protecting Maternal Health: Addressing the Risks Mothers Face During Childbirth
The birth of a child is often seen as a joyous event, but the process can carry significant risks for the mother. Many people are unaware of how many issues can arise during pregnancy, labor and delivery. When complications occur, they can lead to serious injury or even the death of the mother if not managed properly by qualified medical personnel.
At The Law Office of Scott Righthand, P.C., we have seen the devastating impact of these events and represented many families affected by birth injuries to both mother and baby. Here, we explain some of the risks involved and how legal assistance can provide support when unexpected problems turn this joyful moment into a tragic one.
The Reality of Maternal Morbidity
Maternal morbidity refers to any circumstance where a mother suffers a severe health complication related to pregnancy or childbirth. These can include:
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Preeclampsia or eclampsia
- Infant hypoxia, which can lead to conditions like hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
These conditions are often preventable if medical teams recognize the warning signs and act quickly.
Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Cassidy Arnold, who we learned died from these sorts of conditions. A 33-year-old manager of a Tahoe ski resort, she died in November 2025 from complications after an emergency C-section. She left behind her husband and their newborn and 4-year-old. Her story is a heartbreaking reminder of the potential for severe outcomes during what should be an exciting time.
Systemic Failures in Maternal Care
Sadly, Cassidy Arnold’s death is not an isolated incident. Systemic problems within the American maternal healthcare system continue to contribute to these tragedies. An SFGATE opinion piece from April 2025 noted that the maternal healthcare model has an outdated infrastructure, with research indicating that up to 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable with adequate care. This highlights a critical need for greater accountability and improvement in medical standards for maternal health.
When medical professionals fail to provide an expected standard of care for mothers or their babies and it results in harm, it may constitute medical negligence. These failures can have life-altering consequences for families, leaving them to cope with immense emotional and financial burdens.
How a Birth Injury Lawyer Can Help
Coping with a birth injury or the loss of a loved one during childbirth is an indescribably painful experience. Pursuing legal action in these moments can feel like an added burden. However, an experienced birth injury lawyer can provide essential support for many families facing these circumstances.
A lawyer can investigate the circumstances of the injury to determine if medical negligence occurred. This often involves reviewing medical records, consulting with professionals and building a case to hold the responsible parties accountable. Pursuing compensation through legal action can help cover medical expenses and other costs associated with the injury. It can also provide the family with a needed sense of justice in their time of loss.
Our Team Is Here for You
At The Law Office of Scott Righthand, P.C., we recognize the profound fear and pain that birth injuries cause. Our firm has a long history of fighting for those who have suffered as a result of medical negligence, and we are dedicated to helping families through these difficult moments with compassion and understanding.
If you or a loved one has been injured during labor, delivery or childbirth, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to discuss your situation and learn about your legal options. You do not have to face this alone.
