At the law firm of Brockstedt Mandalas Federico, LLC (BMF), we understand how devastating it can be when an infection during pregnancy or childbirth leads to serious complications for the mother or baby. Families often come to us asking whether they can pursue a chorioamnionitis lawsuit after experiencing preventable harm related to this condition.
Below, we explain chorioamnionitis, how it can lead to complications, when medical negligence may be involved, and how our Maryland birth injury attorneys can help.
Understanding Chorioamnionitis
Chorioamnionitis is an infection of the fetal membranes (chorion and amnion) and the amniotic fluid. It typically develops when bacteria travel upward from the vagina into the uterus, particularly after the membranes rupture. This condition can occur during labor and delivery or before birth, putting both mother and baby at risk.
The infection requires timely diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics and, in many cases, prompt delivery. When healthcare providers fail to recognize symptoms such as maternal fever, elevated heart rate, uterine tenderness, or fetal tachycardia, the results can be life-threatening.
How Chorioamnionitis Can Affect Mothers and Babies
The risks associated with chorioamnionitis complications are significant. Can chorioamnionitis affect the baby? Unfortunately, yes, babies exposed to infection in the womb may suffer from sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis, or long-term neurological damage such as cerebral palsy. The condition can also be dangerous for mothers and lead to postpartum infection, sepsis, or uterine rupture.
According to the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), timely diagnosis and management of intra-amniotic infection are critical to reducing these risks. When providers delay testing or treatment, the resulting harm may rise to the level of medical malpractice.
When Medical Negligence May Be Involved
Not every case of chorioamnionitis is preventable, but many are made worse by delays in recognition or improper management. A chorioamnionitis lawsuit may be appropriate if a healthcare provider or hospital:
- Failed to diagnose infection despite clear warning signs,
- Delayed administering antibiotics,
- Allowed labor to continue for too long after rupture of membranes,
- Failed to monitor the baby’s distress or maternal infection, or
- Delayed delivery after diagnosis.
Each of these failures can have devastating consequences. In such cases, a medical malpractice attorney can help determine whether the provider violated the accepted standard of care, a crucial factor in Maryland negligence law.
The Legal Process in Maryland
Filing a medical malpractice claim can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already coping with the emotional and financial strain of a birth injury. Understanding the steps involved can make the process less intimidating and help you know what to expect.
In Maryland, medical malpractice cases follow a structured process designed to evaluate whether a healthcare provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care and whether that failure caused harm. Each phase, from investigation to expert review to formal filing, is critical in building a strong, evidence-based case.
Case Evaluation and Record Review
An attorney will gather and review medical records from prenatal visits, labor and delivery, and neonatal care. These records help establish the timeline of events and whether the provider’s response was appropriate.
Expert Medical Review
In Maryland, malpractice claims require testimony from medical experts to establish what a competent provider would have done under similar circumstances. Experts in obstetrics, neonatology, or infectious disease often play a crucial role in these cases.
Filing the Claim
Under Maryland law, medical malpractice claims must generally be filed within three years from the date the injury was discovered or within five years of the negligent act, whichever comes first. There are some exceptions to this rule, including in situations where the injured party is a minor.
After filing, the case proceeds through investigation, discovery, and, if necessary, trial, where a jury determines whether negligence occurred and what damages are owed.
Compensation Available in a Chorioamnionitis Lawsuit
Families pursuing a chorioamnionitis lawsuit may recover compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses;
- Long-term care, rehabilitation, or therapy;
- Pain and suffering;
- Lost wages or loss of earning capacity; and
- Loss of companionship or household services.
These damages can provide vital financial support for children requiring ongoing care due to neurological or developmental injuries. Compensation may also cover specialized medical equipment, in-home nursing, or educational assistance for children who experience cognitive or motor delays. In many cases, these financial resources ensure that families can focus on recovery and providing the best possible quality of life for their child.
Why Legal Help Matters
Birth injury and infection cases are among the most complex areas of medical malpractice law. They require deep medical knowledge, access to expert witnesses, and an understanding of Maryland’s procedural requirements for malpractice claims.
At Brockstedt Mandalas Federico, LLC, our attorneys have successfully handled numerous medical malpractice cases involving birth injuries and maternal health complications. We work closely with leading medical experts to evaluate the facts, identify negligence, and pursue the justice and compensation our clients deserve.
Contact Brockstedt Mandalas Federico, LLC
If you believe a delay in diagnosis or improper management of chorioamnionitis harmed you or your child, don’t wait to seek legal advice. The earlier you speak with an attorney, the stronger your case can be. Evidence fades quickly, and Maryland’s strict deadlines can limit your right to recover.
No family should suffer because of preventable medical errors during pregnancy or childbirth. You can hold negligent providers accountable with the proper legal guidance and secure the resources needed to support your family’s future.
Contact the experienced attorneys at Brockstedt Mandalas Federico, LLC today for a confidential consultation. We’ll review your case at no cost, explain your legal options, and help you take the next step toward accountability and healing.
Phil Federico is a partner at Brockstedt Mandalas Federico where he helps lead the Mass Tort / Class Action and Environmental Law practices, transitioning into these areas after beginning his career as a medical malpractice litigator.
Phil has led and been involved in historic and groundbreaking litigation with verdicts and settlements exceeding one billion dollars.
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