Birth
Injury Lawyer Services
Birth injuries,
or injuries suffered by the infant during the delivery
process, can cause serious and life threatening complications.
Newborns' physical features are not fully developed
at delivery, as such, almost any part of the newborn
can be easily injured by the delivering doctor or assisting
hospital staff.
While most birth injuries are minor (such as bruises
), some can be much more serious (traumatic brain injuries
). Additionally, nerves and bones can be easily damaged
or fractured. Scarring can also result from improper
delivery.
Neurologic disorders, often called developmental disabilities,
include mental retardation,cerebral palsy,epilepsy, autism, learning disabilities, and general brain damage.
Neurologic disorders caused by medical malpractice during
delivery account for the largest lawsuit damage awards. In addition, cerebral palsy is the most common birth
injury leading to legal action, however, half of all
cerebral palsy cases are the result of genetics, not
medical malpractice.
Birth injury related cerebral palsy is often caused
by birth asphyxia, a condition in which the infant suffers
from a lack of oxygen during delivery. If cerebral palsy
or other medical conditions result from birth asphyxia,
obstetricians and medical staff who fail to conduct
electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) or fail to follow
proper post-birth observations of the infant, may be
liable for medical malpractice.
Often, when delivery doctors suspect that birth asphyxia
may occur, a cesarean section (c-section) is ordered.
A c-section may reduce the likelihood of birth asphyxia,
and failure to perform the procedure may constitute
malpractice in certain circumstances.
In addition to complications relating to birth asphyxia,
obstetricians and other medical professionals must remain
vigilant in order to prevent birth related infections. Such infections can cause cerebral palsy and other
conditions.
If your child suffers from a serious medical condition
caused by medical malpractice during delivery, it may
be important to contact a birth injuries lawyer who
can help you protect your child's legal rights. Please
keep in mind that there may be time limits within which
you must commence suit.
Birth
Injury Overview information provided by InjuryBoard.com
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