|
Medical Malpractice is one of the causes of birth trauma.
Each year in the United States, approximately two million infants
suffer from birth trauma during delivery. Birth trauma can cause
mild and temporary injuries and impairments or may result in
devastating injuries, permanent impairment, or even death. In many
cases birth trauma is an unforeseen and unpreventable tragedy. In
other cases, birth trauma is the result of medical error,
malpractice, and negligence. When a medical professional fails to
prevent birth trauma, in a situation where s/he has the power to do
so, they can be held liable for all injuries and thus suffer the
results.
Birth trauma can occur when a medical professional fails to diagnose
and treat prenatal infections, conditions, and other risk factors.
This type of birth trauma is often the product of inadequate
prenatal care. Maternal infections and certain medical conditions
can increase the risks of a complicated delivery process where birth
trauma is more likely. A fetus may develop certain medical
conditions that can lead to birth trauma if not promptly diagnosed
and adequately treated.
Infant jaundice, for example, can develop because of birth
trauma-related bruising, prenatal infections affecting the infant's
blood, and Rh incompatibility. Bruising can be the cause of improper
or forceful birthing techniques, such a vacuum or forceps delivery,
employed by a negligent doctor. Infection and Rh incompatibility are
both conditions that, when correctly diagnosed, can be treated to
prevent or greatly mitigate birth trauma.
Fortunately, birth injuries such as jaundice do not often result in
permanent or serious injury.
Unfortunately, there are a number of serious injuries that can
develop as a result of birth trauma. Shoulder dystocia is a common
type of birth trauma occurring when a child's shoulder becomes
impacted on the mother's pelvis during birth. While this birth
trauma may not be preventable, adherence to medical protocol can
correct the problem or mitigate the harm caused during this birth
complication. When a medical professional fails to prevent damage in
a shoulder dystocia case, the birth trauma can cause Erb's Palsy or
brachial plexus palsy, conditions which affect the nerves to the
upper extremities.
When birth trauma cuts the supply of blood or oxygen to the baby's
brain or produces any other type of brain injury, the child can
develop a chronic condition called cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is
a set of conditions that hinder the body's ability to adequately
control body movement and muscle coordination. While the precise
cause of cerebral palsy is often unknown, many cases of cerebral
palsy are the result of preventable birth trauma.
When a medical professional fails to prevent birth trauma, s/he may
be held liable for the injuries, losses, and suffering that ensues.
If you or your child has suffered birth trauma injuries, please
contact us to speak to a qualified and experienced attorney who can
evaluate your case to determine your legal rights and options. You
may be able to seek compensation for the losses and suffering you
have endured as a result of birth trauma.
Contact us by
Email or call us today at (401) 788-0600 to speak with a
someone from our firm..
|
