Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Lawsuit

Quick Answer

A meconium aspiration syndrome lawsuit allows families to seek compensation if medical negligence caused their child’s condition. Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) occurs when a baby inhales meconium-stained amniotic fluid, which can cause oxygen deprivation and serious complications like brain damage. If doctors failed to prevent or properly treat MAS, families may have legal options. Get a free case review now.

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What Are Meconium Aspiration Birth Injury Lawsuits?

A hand pointing at a brain scan with a pen, highlighting details on an MRI image.A meconium aspiration syndrome lawsuit is a legal claim filed against health care providers whose negligence led to injury or complications from MAS.

Meconium aspiration syndrome results from a baby inhaling a mixture of their first feces (meconium) and amniotic fluid during labor or delivery. This can cause severe respiratory distress, lung infections, and, in some cases, brain damage due to lack of oxygen.

Managing MAS often requires specialized care, breathing support, and therapy, which can create financial strain and missed work for parents.

Filing a meconium aspiration syndrome lawsuit may help families secure compensation for medical costs while holding negligent health care providers accountable.

Did you know

In 2024, parents filed a meconium aspiration syndrome lawsuit after doctors delayed inducing labor for 60 hours, ignored signs of distress, and denied a C-section request. Their baby inhaled meconium, leading to oxygen deprivation, infection, and death.

If medical errors are responsible for your child’s condition, an MAS lawyer can help you build a strong case and pursue the compensation your family deserves.

The skilled lawyers in our network have helped families nationwide recover over $1 billion for birth injuries, including MAS.

Find out if they can help you, too. Get a free case review right now.

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A free case review is the first step in pursuing compensation for you and your family.

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Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Lawsuit Compensation

The value of meconium aspiration birth injury lawsuits depends on the severity of the baby’s condition and the level of care they received.

Cases of severe harm or clear-cut medical errors can result in MAS lawsuit settlements of over $1 million.

These are reported awards in meconium aspiration birth injury lawsuits:
  • $14.5 million in Pennsylvania for severe brain damage caused by failure to properly address signs of fetal distress and thick meconium
  • $4.1 million in New York for a hypoxic brain injury in a newborn whose lungs were filled with meconium
  • $3.2 million to a family whose baby suffered permanent brain damage due to delayed treatment for MAS
  • $2.5 million for a child after doctors missed signs of fetal distress and failed to order a timely C-section
  • $3.25 million in Massachusetts following a delayed C-section, despite signs of fetal distress and thick meconium

You may be entitled to compensation, too, if your child’s MAS was caused by medical negligence.

Get a free consultation with an experienced legal professional to find out how much you might receive from a meconium aspiration syndrome lawsuit.

Call the Birth Injury Justice Center right now at (800) 914-1562 or Click to Live Chat to see if we can connect you with a top MAS lawyer near you.

Medical Malpractice and Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

Birth injury medical malpractice happens when a doctor, nurse, or other health care provider fails to provide proper care, leading to serious harm.

Meconium aspiration syndrome can block airways and cause oxygen loss, infection, or lung damage. Medical mistakes before, during, or after birth can increase the risk.

Situations linked to preventable MAS include:
  • Delaying a needed C-section despite signs of fetal distress, increasing the risk of oxygen deprivation and brain damage
  • Failing to monitor fetal heart rate and respond to distress, which can contribute to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
  • Ignoring risk factors, like post-term pregnancy, prolonged labor, maternal infections, or preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure), which can increase MAS risk
  • Mismanaging meconium-stained amniotic fluid, delaying suctioning or breathing support, leading to respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
  • Neglecting to clear the baby’s airway immediately after birth, increasing the chance of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)
  • Withholding proper neonatal care, such as oxygen therapy, antibiotics, or ventilator support when needed, which can worsen pneumonia or sepsis

If medical negligence led to your child’s MAS and caused serious harm, you may be able to file a meconium aspiration lawsuit.

Why File Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Malpractice Lawsuits?

Filing meconium aspiration birth injury lawsuits can help families afford their child’s medical care and hold negligent medical professionals accountable.

Reasons to file meconium aspiration birth injury lawsuits include:
  • Covering medical bills for your child’s therapy and ongoing treatments
  • Getting justice by fighting for your child’s health and future
  • Preventing other families from enduring similar pain and suffering
  • Seeking relief from the financial and emotional toll on your family

If you’re uncertain about the cause of meconium aspiration syndrome in your child, reach out to our team at the Birth Injury Justice Center.

We have experienced registered nurses on staff who can help you understand whether medical malpractice may have occurred. If our nurses feel your child’s condition could have been avoided, they can explain your options for filing a meconium aspiration syndrome lawsuit.

There is no cost to speak with us and no obligation to move forward with meconium aspiration birth injury lawsuits. If you suspect you may have a case, connect with a nurse today.

Nurse Beth Carter

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When to File a Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Lawsuit

Consider filing your meconium aspiration syndrome lawsuit as soon as you suspect your child’s condition could have been prevented.

Acting quickly is necessary because there’s a strict deadline for filing medical malpractice lawsuits, called the statute of limitations. Once the timeframe in your case passes, you won’t be able to take legal action.

Each state has its own statute of limitations for filing birth injury cases, so it’s critical to consult with an attorney familiar with your state’s laws.

An experienced lawyer can explain which deadlines apply and ensure your meconium aspiration syndrome lawsuit is filed on time.

Don’t wait to find out your family’s legal options — call us right now at (800) 914-1562.

Who Can File Meconium Aspiration Birth Injury Lawsuits?

Families of children harmed by the condition may be able to file meconium aspiration birth injury lawsuits if medical negligence played a role.

Here’s who may qualify to file a meconium aspiration syndrome lawsuit:

  1. Parents: Primary caregivers who have been directly affected
  2. Legal guardians: Individuals with legal responsibility for the child

Severe MAS can lead to oxygen deprivation (hypoxia), increasing the risk of brain damage. In rare cases, prolonged hypoxia may contribute to conditions like cerebral palsy, especially if complications such as HIE or PPHN occur.

These conditions may require ongoing therapy, surgeries, or other costly treatments.

If you believe medical negligence contributed to your child’s MAS, you may be able to file a meconium aspiration syndrome lawsuit.

Find out right now with a free case review.

Get a Free Case Review

A free case review is the first step in pursuing compensation for you and your family.

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Steps to File Meconium Aspiration Birth Injury Lawsuits

Filing a meconium aspiration syndrome lawsuit involves several key steps. Knowing what to expect can give you confidence as you navigate the challenges of your child’s birth injury.

Generally, these are the steps to filing meconium aspiration birth injury lawsuits:
  1. Free case review: Top lawyers offer free consultations to determine your eligibility to file a meconium aspiration syndrome lawsuit. Get your free case review right now.
  2. Collect evidence: Your legal team will gather key evidence to build your case. This may include medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions.
  3. File the lawsuit: Next, your lawyer will file your birth injury lawsuit in the correct court, ensuring any legal deadlines that apply to your case are met.
  4. Negotiate a settlement: Your attorney will negotiate with the other side to work toward a birth injury settlement as quickly as possible.

If a settlement isn’t reached, your MAS lawyer will continue fighting for your family in court.

However, most birth injury lawsuits settle out of court, providing families with quicker access to compensation and justice.

With an experienced birth injury attorney on your side, you can focus on caring for your child while they handle your meconium aspiration syndrome lawsuit on your behalf.

File Your Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Lawsuit

If your child developed MAS due to medical errors, you may be eligible to pursue a meconium aspiration syndrome lawsuit. This may allow you to secure funds for medical treatments, ongoing care, and other much-needed support.

An experienced MAS lawyer can help you file your claim correctly within your state’s statute of limitations. Starting now can make all the difference in the outcome of your case — and your child’s life.

Our legal partners have secured more than $1 billion for families affected by preventable birth injuries, including MAS.

Call us right now at (800) 914-1562 or fill out our case review form to see if we can help you provide a better future for your child.

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Lawsuit FAQs

Is MAS always malpractice?

No, meconium aspiration syndrome is not always malpractice. MAS can occur naturally if a baby passes meconium in the womb and inhales it before or during birth.

However, medical negligence may be involved if doctors fail to monitor risk factors, delay a needed C-section, or mismanage breathing support after birth.

If you suspect medical malpractice played a role in your child’s condition, call us right now at (800) 914-1562.

What are the long-term effects of meconium aspiration syndrome?

The long-term effects of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) depend on the severity of the condition.

While many babies recover fully, severe cases can lead to:

  • Breathing problems that require oxygen therapy or ventilator support
  • Chronic lung disease, including asthma or pulmonary hypertension
  • Developmental delays if a prolonged lack of oxygen occurred

In rare cases, MAS can lead to severe brain injury, such as cerebral palsy or seizure disorders.

Early medical intervention can improve outcomes. If MAS was worsened by medical negligence, families may be able to seek compensation.

Can you sue for meconium aspiration?

Yes, you may be able to sue for meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) if medical negligence contributed to your child’s condition.

You may have a medical malpractice claim if doctors fail to monitor fetal distress, delay a needed C-section, or mismanage breathing support after birth, leading to severe complications.

A meconium aspiration syndrome lawsuit can help families seek compensation for medical care, therapy, and long-term support. If you qualify, we can connect you with an experienced birth injury lawyer to explore your legal options.

Get a free case review right now to see if we can connect you with a top attorney near you.

How are MAS settlement amounts determined?

MAS settlement amounts are based on the severity of the child’s impairments, the cost of past and future medical care, and the long-term impact, like developmental delays or disabilities.

Settlements vary as each case is so unique, but severe cases of MAS often result in millions of dollars in payouts.

How much does it cost to file a meconium aspiration syndrome lawsuit?

Meconium aspiration birth injury lawsuits are usually filed on a contingency fee basis. This means that there are no upfront costs or hourly fees. You only pay legal fees if your lawyer secures compensation on your behalf.

Can I file a MAS lawsuit without a lawyer?

While it’s possible to file meconium aspiration birth injury lawsuits without a lawyer, it’s not recommended. These cases are complex and require legal expertise to navigate the process, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies or medical providers.

An experienced birth injury lawyer can handle the legal work for you, increasing your chances of securing the compensation your child needs.

Call us right now at (800) 914-1562 to see if we can connect you with a top MAS lawyer near you.

Birth Injury Support Team

The Birth Injury Justice Center was founded in 2003 by a team of legal professionals to educate and empower victims and families affected by birth injuries. Our team is devoted to providing you with the best resources and legal information for all types of birth injuries.

View Sources
  1. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, January 17). Meconium aspiration syndrome. Retrieved February 9, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24620-meconium-aspiration-syndrome
  2. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Meconium aspiration syndrome. Retrieved February 9, 2025, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/meconium-aspiration-syndrome
  3. KidsHealth. (2020, January). Meconium aspiration. Retrieved February 9, 2025, from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/meconium.html
  4. Schultz, C.L. (2024, December 9). Newborn allegedly dies after mother’s induction is delayed for 60 hours due to ‘hospital capacity,’ according to lawsuit. Retrieved February 9, 2025, from https://people.com/baby-dies-after-mother-denied-induction-60-hours-sepsis-8758245
  5. Sokolove Law. (2025, February 5). Birth injury lawsuits. Retrieved February 9, 2025, from https://www.sokolovelaw.com/birth-injuries/lawsuit/