When hospital staff and physicians fail to provide the same care a reasonable and prudent provider should have provided significant problems can arise. Birth injuries occur in roughly 6 to 8 out of every 1,000 births. Unfortunately, many times newborns can experience long-term damages because of negligence. Even the expecting mother can experience injuries because of a doctor’s negligent actions.
If you believe you or your newborn has suffered harm because of such negligence, you must recognize what options you have to pursue to help you manage the permanent and devastating injuries you and your newborn may be coping with. It is important to note that the hospital staff and physicians are under no obligation to tell you that they believe negligence occurred. Most times, even if a physician or hospital staff member believed there was negligence, the family may never find out without proper investigation. There are families out there with severely brain damaged children struggling to manage to pay their medical bills, but do not know the condition was preventable.
Here are some of the more common birth injuries and terms you may hear:
- Brachial plexus
- Cerebral palsy
- Cephalohematoma
- Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
- Trauma from forceps or vacuum extraction
If you suffer an injury because of negligence, we’ll be there to help you. Call us today at (210) 361-2997.
Brachial Plexus
The brachial plexus consists of the nerves that supply the arms and hands. These nerves may sustain damage when labor is difficult, and the force to deliver the baby leads to shoulder damages. A brachial plexus injury can lead to brachial palsy, impacting rotation and movement in the affected arm. If the nerves tear during the injury, it could result in permanent damage.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is not just a single disorder. Different types of CP can exist, each with devastating effects on a person. Each baby who suffers from cerebral palsy experiences varying degrees of symptoms. Severe cerebral palsy may impact a person’s ability to walk, while mild CP may only impact a child’s motions.
Cephalohematoma
An injury to your baby’s head can lead to blood forming between his or her scalp and skull. Damaged blood vessels can result in the baby experiencing anemia, jaundice, or infection. Because the blood is outside of the skull, it may not impact the baby’s brain, but may be evidence of more serious conditions.
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
Also referred to as HIE, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy occurs when a baby is not receiving enough oxygen or blood flow for an extended period. This condition can develop during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or postnatal care. HIE can impact your baby’s brain, heart, liver, kidneys, and other organs.
Trauma from Forceps or Vacuum Extraction
While forceps and vacuum extractors are tools that doctors primarily used years ago, they are not completely removed from the medical practice. Using them correctly can be a helpful tool for many deliveries, but if a doctor uses them incorrectly, it can lead to a baby’s significant harm. Clamping too hard may lead to bleeding, bruising, swelling, and potentially long-term damage.
Unfortunately, babies can experience some significant and long-term damages because of their injuries, including cognitive issues, developmental delays, physical injuries, function loss, and more. Injuries may result from improper monitoring, failure to timely perform an emergency C-section, incorrect Pitocin use, and more.
At Maloney Law Group, P.L.L.C., we work to help you identify where negligence may exist. There are few things worse than experiencing a situation where your newborn suffers harm because of negligence, especially when you’re supposed to trust the hospital staff and physician. When they fail in their duties, you have the right to pursue damages to help you manage the devastating medical bills, loss of income, and future care you and your child may need.
Our San Antonio birth injury attorneys have helped countless families. We recognize your needs and best interests, then work to protect your rights during this challenging time. You can trust us to be in your corner throughout the process and pursue the most favorable outcome on your behalf. Let us be your voice.
For a consultation, we encourage you to call our firm at (210) 361-2997 today. We’ll answer your questions and address your concerns to give you peace of mind throughout the process.