Parents eagerly await the birth of their little one. They spend months ensuring they have everything ready for their child's arrival. When the big day comes, they assume everything will go smoothly. Sadly, birth injuries remain a problem in this country today,
When a child suffers a birth injury, the parents may be scared, frustrated, and uncertain about their little one's future. Some birth injuries are minor and resolve rapidly. Others remain with the child for a lifetime. Parents should contact a birth injury attorney as soon as they realize their child has been harmed. The attorney will handle all legal matters related to the injury so the parents can focus on getting their child the care needed for the highest quality of life.
Defining Birth Injuries
Birth injuries are any injuries sustained by a child during the labor or delivery procedure. Medical malpractice may lead to an injury, or it may result from the delivery team incorrectly using tools to assist with the process. The medical team may overlook fetal distress and not respond to this distress promptly. What are some common birth injuries seen today?Cerebral Palsy is brought on by oxygen deprivation during labor and delivery. This condition impacts the child's mobility, coordination, and muscle tone. Individuals with Cerebral Palsy often need ongoing physical therapy and medications. In certain situations, doctors must perform surgery.
Erb's Palsy is the result of a brachial plexus injury. This injury leads to nerve damage brought on by extreme pulling during delivery. The child's arm may be weak or paralyzed because of this pulling. Physical therapy helps some patients, but others need surgery to treat the weakness or paralysis. Sadly, some kids with Erb's Palsy are permanently disabled.
Forceps and vacuum extractors increase the risk of the baby's collarbone or limbs being broken. When this happens, the child will experience pain and limited mobility. An orthopedic surgeon may be called in to treat the baby.
When a child is deprived of oxygen or exposed to trauma during labor and delivery, they may suffer a brain injury. This injury can lead to seizures, cognitive impairment, or developmental delays. Specialized care is needed to ensure the child has the highest quality of life.
Birth Injury Causes
Some birth injuries cannot be avoided. However, medical negligence plays a role in many injuries. The medical team may ignore signs of fetal distress and put off doing a c-section. This delay could leave the child with brain damage. When forceps or vacuum extractors aren't used properly, the child may suffer nerve damage or broken bones. Other conditions might lead to the need for immediate medical intervention. When warning signs are ignored, the medical team should be held accountable in a court of law.Seeking Legal Help for Birth Injuries
Parents who believe their child has suffered a birth injury should seek legal advice immediately. Many attorneys offer free consultations, so parents have nothing to lose when seeking this advice. The attorney will conduct a complete investigation to prove the child suffered an avoidable birth injury and work to obtain compensation to ensure the child's current and long-term care needs are met. They advocate on behalf of the child so the parents can focus on getting the child the care they need.No parent wants to learn their child has suffered a birth injury. When a parent hears this news, they may feel alone and overwhelmed. Turn to an attorney for help. They will fight for the child and parents during this difficult time. With their help, the parents can pursue justice to obtain peace of mind.
