Birth injuries refer to any damage an infant suffers before, during, or shortly after delivery. These injuries often result from preventable medical errors, like excessive use of physical force, oxygen deprivation, misuse of instruments, or prolonged labor. Unlike congenital disabilities, which develop while the baby is in the womb, birth injuries can be caused by the negligence of doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals. Most birth injuries heal over time, but some may linger for years or leave your child with life-long complications. Let’s go over the signs your child may have suffered a preventable birth injury.
Developmental Delays
While each child is different and grows at their own pace, birth trauma can cause delays in their ability to meet specific developmental milestones within the expected age ranges. Delays in one or multiple areas lead to significant challenges later in life. Children may display problems with cognition and processing information or behavioral issues, impacting their performance in school and life. Some birth injuries that result in developmental delays include traumatic blood or oxygen deprivation, which has been linked to seizures, brain damage, and impaired motor functioning.
Severe External Injuries
Any time a baby is born with physical damage, such as broken bones, bruising, or head injuries, you should identify the method used for delivery and if it was done correctly. Tools like forceps and vacuums can cause significant damage when misused with results and can lead to conditions like cerebral palsy.
Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia occurs when the infant’s shoulders become stuck inside the mother’s pelvis during labor. The doctor may pull the baby’s arm too hard and injure the nerves in the brachial plexus. If the child is at risk for shoulder dystocia, the doctor may order an emergency C-section to make the birth easier. Failure to make quick decisions on C-section, using excessive force, or incorrect birthing techniques can harm the mother and baby.
How Medical Staff Could Be Liable
During birth, doctors and medical professionals must uphold the duty of care to ensure your baby is not under extreme stress or danger. If a medical staff member fails to adequately monitor your baby’s health which results in a birth injury, they can be liable. Other forms of negligence during childbirth include:
- Failure to act immediately in critical situations
- Failure to diagnose apparent health conditions in the mother or baby
- Failure to properly monitor the mother and baby after birth
- Improper use of medicals tools such as forceps
- Unnecessary pulling and straining of the infant during birth
If you believe your child’s birth injury was caused by medical malpractice, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney. Contact The Snyder Law Group today for a free case evaluation!
Contact The Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents, and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts and settlements. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, or call us at 410-843-3476, for more information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.