How to Recognize Medical Negligence in Birth Injuries
Birth injuries are a terrible reality for a lot of families in the US.
Thousands of babies are harmed during childbirth each year by avoidable injuries that may last a lifetime. In certain instances, medical misconduct or negligence is the cause of these injuries.
If you suspect that your child’s birth injury was caused by medical negligence, it is crucial to take action and seek justice for your child’s suffering.
This article will provide you with a guide on how to recognize medical negligence in birth injuries and why it is essential to hire a birth injury lawyer.
Understanding Birth Injuries
Birth injuries can occur during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or shortly after childbirth. These injuries can range from mild bruising to severe brain damage.
Some of the most common types of birth injuries include
- Cerebral palsy
- Erb’s palsy
- Spinal cord injuries
These conditions can significantly impact a child’s physical and cognitive development and require specialized care for the rest of their life.
Signs of Medical Negligence
Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare provider fails to provide the right standard of care, resulting in harm or injury to the patient. In the case of birth injuries, medical negligence can occur during prenatal care, labor and delivery, or postnatal care.
Some signs that may indicate medical negligence include:
- Failure to diagnose a condition during pregnancy: Medical professionals are expected to identify and manage conditions like diabetes, preeclampsia, and maternal infections. Failure to do so can lead to complications for the mother and child.
- Improper use of birthing tools: The incorrect use of tools like forceps or vacuum extractors can cause injuries such as skull fractures, brain damage, or nerve injuries. It is also negligent to not explain the risks associated with these tools.
- Delayed cesarean section: If a baby shows signs of distress or other complications arise, a C-section may be necessary to ensure the safety of both mother and child. Delays in performing a C-section when it is medically necessary can lead to preventable injuries.
- Failure to monitor fetal distress during labor: Medical professionals are responsible for closely monitoring the baby’s heart rate and other vital signs during labor. Failure to detect the signs of distress can lead to severe complications.
- Administering incorrect medication or dosage during childbirth: Giving the wrong medication, the improper dosage, or failing to take a patient’s allergies or possible drug interactions into account are all examples of negligence. Errors in medication administration can have a detrimental impact on the health and welfare of the patient.
You must speak with a birth injury attorney if you observe any of these symptoms in your child’s birth injury. They can assist you in navigating the legal system and determining if medical negligence contributed to your child’s injury.
Pursuing a Medical Malpractice Claim
If you think that medical negligence injured your child, you should speak with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer. Apart from obtaining medical records and consulting with medical specialists, they can assess the particulars of your situation and help you understand your legal options. A successful medical malpractice claim can compensate for the child’s medical expenses and all other losses related to the condition.