Oxygen deprivation occurs when babies don’t get enough oxygen to the brain during or after birth, which can lead to serious injuries.
Though it is something we hope we never have to encounter when delivering a baby, birth injuries are always a possibility. It is always a good idea to be informed about these potential complications so that you are prepared just in case something goes wrong. Oxygen deprivation, also known as birth asphyxia, occurs when the baby doesn’t get enough oxygen to the brain during or after birth. Here is what you need to know about oxygen deprivation in relation to birth injuries.
Causes
There are several different reasons why oxygen deprivation may occur during the labor and delivery process. Some of these causes include placental problems, shoulder dystocia, fetal distress, and/or contractions that are too close together. It is important that the doctors and nurses are always alert for signs of oxygen deprivation so that they can pinpoint the cause and act quickly. Prolonged oxygen deprivation can lead to serious, permanent injuries.
Injuries
Whether or not an injury results and the severity of the injury depends on how long the brain was deprived of oxygen. A baby’s brain can typically recover quickly from oxygen deprivation with no signs of damage ever occurring. However, as mentioned before, prolonged oxygen deprivation can be very dangerous. If the Broca’s area (on the left side) of the brain is damaged, it can lead to problems with language and speech. Damage to the right side can have an impact on the child’s emotional development. Paralysis can occur if damage occurs on either side. Birth injuries such as Cerebral Palsy can result from oxygen deprivation as well as possible vision impairment and hearing loss.
Was it Medical Malpractice?
Not all birth injuries are a result of medical malpractice, however some can be. If prolonged oxygen deprivation occurred and there were overlooked signs, it can be a case of medical malpractice. This means that the doctor acted negligently, breaching the standard of care they must uphold for their patient. If the doctors missed obvious signs of deprivation or treated the problem incorrectly, directly leading to birth injuries, it could potentially be medical malpractice. If this is the case, you want to consult with an attorney to see if you can receive proper compensation for the injuries caused.
Has Your Child Suffered Birth Injuries as a Result of Medical Malpractice? Contact The Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients through 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 negligence 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 that result from medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car or truck accidents and have secured hundreds of millions in verdict settlements. Give us a call at (410)-843-3476 for a free case evaluation. You can also visit our website www.410thefirm.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter,Google +, and LinkedIn for more information.