What to Know About Birth Injuries

Many parents are excited by the impending birth of their child, only to be devastated by the fact that their baby has suffered serious injuries during labor and delivery. Sometimes these issues cannot be avoided. There was no way to predict or prevent them. In some cases, though, birth injuries are caused by negligence by a nurse or doctor. Under these circumstances, the parents may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. In Florida, you have two years to file a medical malpractice lawsuit, so don’t delay. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to begin your case.

Common Birth Injuries

Not all birth injuries are serious enough to warrant a lawsuit. The most common injuries are swelling and bruising, which tend to go away after several days. Some are more serious, such as broken bones, nerve damage, broken blood vessels and internal bleeding. Some babies may even suffer cerebral palsy or paralysis.

Causes of Birth Injury

Birth injuries can happen for various reasons. Sometimes babies are large and cannot fit through the mother’s pelvis or birth canal. If the baby is born prematurely, it could suffer injuries or health issues when it is delivered. A long and difficult delivery can cause stress on the baby and lead to injury. When the baby is in a breech position instead of head-first, this can also lead to issues. So can a C-section delivery or having an overweight mother.

In some cases, birth injuries can be prevented. They happen because of something the nurse or doctor did or did not do. Their negligence or reckless behavior caused the baby to suffer injuries.

If the baby is stuck inside the birth canal, the doctor may use forceps or a vacuum to extract the baby. These devices work when used properly. However, too much pressure can cause bruises, swelling and broken bones. A doctor who prescribes the wrong medications and causes a serious health condition can also be held liable. So can a doctor who fails to order a C-section when a long labor causes stress on the baby or mother.

A doctor can also be responsible if he or she misdiagnoses or fails to diagnose a medical condition that causes the baby or mother to suffer injury or death. Failure to monitor is another issue. If the baby shows signs of distress, medical staff must act quickly. Without proper intervention, the baby could suffer oxygen loss, which can lead to cerebral palsy and other conditions. Cerebral palsy is a common birth injury that can also be caused by head injuries, infections and bleeding in the brain.

Get Legal Help for Your Florida Personal Injury Case

Birth injuries can be devastating to not only the child but to the parents as well. Many can be long-term in nature and cause significant physical and mental effects.

If your baby suffered a serious birth injury during labor or delivery, the Tampa medical malpractice lawyers at Pawlowski//Mastrilli Law Group can help. Medical malpractice claims can be difficult to fight and win, but our aggressive team can help you achieve a favorable outcome. Schedule a free consultation by filling out the online form or calling 813-242-4404.

Resource:

stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=birth-injury-90-P02340

https://megajustice.com/common-causes-of-medical-malpractice/