Types of Birth Injuries
Posted Friday, August 7, 2020 by Chris Thayer
Unfortunately, medical negligence either before, during, or immediately after the birthing process can cause serious injuries in the infant resulting in permanent damage. If you discovered that your baby was injured during birth, you may have the legal right to pursue a claim under the law.
**Common Types of Birth Injuries Resulting From Medical Malpractice
**Not every medical condition or diagnosis an infant receives is the result of medical malpractice. In some cases, children are born with medical conditions or illnesses that have no relationship to any type of action or inaction on the part of the medical attending staff. However, there are certain types of injuries that occur often due to the fact that a healthcare provider or medical practitioner made serious negligent errors in the birthing process resulting in a birth injury. Some of the types of common birth injuries resulting from medical malpractice include the following:
- Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral palsy is a common birth defect leading to a child suffering permanent challenges with motor skills, walking, speaking, neurological issues and pain and suffering. This often occurs when a child remains in the birth canal too long or is deprived of oxygen for too long.
- Brain Damage. If a baby does not receive enough oxygen at any time during the birthing process, it can lead not only to cerebral palsy, but to additional medical complications including seizures or remaining in a permanent vegetative state.
- Spinal Damage. If extraction devices such as forceps or vacuum extractor tools are used inappropriately during the delivery process, it may cause spinal cord or nerve damage resulting in permanent neurological challenges for the child.
- Infections. If the medical staff fails to detect, diagnose, and/or treat an infection in either the mother or child, it can result in serious or potentially fatal medical complications, including infant brain damage.
- Cephalohematoma. This medical condition occurs when there is bleeding between the skull and the periosteum of the baby. The pooling of blood from blood vessels damages the inner skin layers and the infant’s skull causing serious medical issues.
There are many other medical complications, illnesses, and injuries that may occur as a direct result of the medical negligence of a nurse, surgeon, doctor, or another medical professional. If you or your baby suffered any injuries or losses as a result of medical negligence, you may have the legal right to file a claim to pursue justice on behalf of your newborn.
*Contact a Birth Injury Lawyer*First, please know that we understand that you may be overwhelmed by your current situation and the diagnosis of your infant. While no amount of compensation will bring back your baby’s health, you may be facing astronomical medical bills and a lifetime of medical treatments and health concerns. If your child suffered injuries you think may be related to a birth injury resulting from medical negligence, contact Pivotal Law Group at 206-340-2008 and visit with one of our experienced birth injury attorneys. We proudly serve the Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Burien, Mercer Island, and Issaquah areas.