Birth injuries can cause lifelong health problems for the child and cost the parents thousands in rehabilitation or medical equipment.
Parents whose new babies have suffered a birth injury often need the help of a lawyer to collect damages from the hospital or doctor responsible.
If your child has been injured due to the negligence of a medical practitioner, you have a right to compensation. Not only can this cover the cost of surgical treatments to fix the injury or rehabilitation to manage the lifelong complications but it can also accommodate your pain and suffering.
If your child suffered a birth injury, contact Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath today. Our Florida medical malpractice lawyers will get you the maximum compensation for this negligence.
What is the most common birth injury?
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy (CP) occurs when a child suffers a brain injury during birth due to a lack of oxygen to the brain. It is often caused if a doctor is not vigilant in monitoring the baby and the mother’s vitals, or if they allow the umbilical cord to wrap around the child’s neck for a prolonged period.
Cerebral Palsy results in a lack of motor control and can cause lifelong muscle spasms. The child may not be able to speak clearly, and some individuals with cerebral palsy have trouble communicating for their entire lives.
Erb’s Palsy
Erb’s Palsy is one of the most common birth injuries. Erb’s Palsy is a paralysis of the arm due to damage to the neck or shoulder area during birth.
The condition typically occurs when shoulders get stuck or become lodged, as they pass through an opening that is too small for both the head and the shoulders.
It is made worse by doctors who pull on the baby’s arms during birth, which creates lifelong issues in the child’s arm mobility. It can even result in them being permanently disfigured.
Head Injuries
Head traumas are often caused when a doctor induces early labor, if the mother has high blood pressure or other preexisting conditions, or if there is an emergency during delivery.
One of the most common causes of head injuries by doctors is improper use of an extractor, which can cause swelling under the scalp.
It may be able to heal on its own, but it can cause lifelong brain damage if severe.
Brachial Plexus Injury
Babies can suffer brachial plexus injuries during birth due to errors by the medical team. This is typically an injury to the shoulder, arms, and hands that occurs when a baby is stuck in the mother’s birth canal for too long.
The pressure on their shoulders causes nerve damage that can create lifelong issues with arm movement or even paralysis if not dealt with in time.
Fractures
When babies are in the birth canal, their bones may be fractured due to the abnormal positioning of their limbs.
If these fractures aren’t noticed in the days following birth, they can cause lifelong issues.
If a doctor does not monitor a baby properly and notice a fracture, they put the child at risk of lifelong mobility complications.
Perinatal Asphyxia
Perinatal asphyxia occurs when there is a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream during birth. It can cause brain damage or even cardiac arrest, which can lead to lifelong health problems.
This condition is very serious and requires immediate attention. If the medical team fails to act in time it will almost certainly result in permanent damage to the child’s brain and heart function.
In serious cases, it can even result in death.
Hemorrhages
It is more common to hear about hemorrhages in the mother, but babies can suffer hemorrhages as well.
This is when bleeding occurs internally in the child. Without no pressure relief, it can burst internally. When this occurs in their brain or eyes, it can cause lifelong damage.
Paralysis
When a baby’s arm or leg gets stuck during birth, it can result in paralysis due to lack of blood flow.
This is one of the most serious birth injuries, and if not detected quickly enough it can lead to permanent damage. Some cases require surgery with years of rehabilitation to regain full use of the affected limb.
In many cases, doctors cause this paralysis while using forceps too forcefully and causing significant nerve damage.
Can I sue my doctor for birth injuries to my baby?
If you believe your doctor caused your child harm during the birthing process, you may be able to sue them for medical malpractice.
There are many reasons why doctors would be implicated in the injuries of a baby during birth. Using forceps incorrectly or with too much force can result in head injuries, broken bones, and paralysis. Doctors inducing labor, especially if the baby is not ready to be born, can lead to damage from lack of oxygen or even brain damage during birth.
If your child suffers serious injuries due to the actions (or inaction) of their doctor you will need to seek medical treatment right away. If there has been a delay in treatment it may make your case more difficult.
If the injury is serious, you will want to speak with a birth injury attorney that can help you recover damages for medical expenses and pain and suffering.
A Birth Injury Lawyer Can Help You
Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath understands how scary it can be when a medical professional causes an injury to your child.
We have over 50 years of combined experience in dealing with birth injuries and will make sure you receive a fair settlement for the pain and suffering your baby endured.
We offer free initial consultations so you can learn what you are facing before deciding on taking legal action. Contact us today to take the first step toward receiving maximum compensation from the negligent party.
