Here is an overview of the most common categories of birth injuries that could occur.
When it comes to medical malpractice, birth injuries are considered among the most egregious and life-destroying errors. There are many different ways that a doctor’s negligence can harm a fragile newborn child even before they have left the womb. That is why it’s important to be able to recognize the warning signs and have a trusted medical malpractice lawyer to help. Here is an overview of the most common categories of birth injuries that could occur.
Birth Asphyxia
Simply put, birth asphyxia occurs when oxygen is cut off from the baby. This can happen from medication errors, delayed birth, umbilical cord strangulation, and more. Even if a baby lacks oxygen for a couple of minutes, there is a significant risk of brain injury or even death.
Cerebral Palsy
There is a whole category of chronic conditions that fall under the umbrella of cerebral palsy. What they all have in common is that they result from brain damage during birth. Cerebral palsy is a disability that affects a person’s muscle coordination and motor skills, usually resulting in a lifetime of physical therapy. Many children with a type of cerebral palsy may not be able to walk without the assistance of crutches or a wheelchair. Similarly, shoulder dystocia occurs when a doctor injures a baby’s shoulder by forcefully pulling them out during birth, and this condition can develop into cerebral palsy.
Kernicterus
For many newborns, jaundice is a very common and treatable condition, characterized by a yellowing of the skin and/or eyes. The yellow color comes from bilirubin, which is a naturally occurring pigment in the blood that is a by-product of red blood cells. While it is harmless in small amounts, too much bilirubin can turn jaundice into kernicterus, a condition causing brain damage. Kernicterus should be easy for a doctor to detect and treat before it gets to a damaging level.
Forceps and Vacuum Delivery
If a doctor has difficulty delivering a baby, they might use a tool like forceps or a vacuum extractor. There are several risks associated with each of these tools because they are used on the baby’s head. If there are any mistakes when using them, then the baby could suffer critical injuries. These are some of the ways that medical errors can cause trauma to your child. Don’t hesitate to talk to a medical malpractice lawyer today about seeking justice and compensation.
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 settlements*. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, for more information and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.