Although many women look forward to having children, giving birth can often be a traumatic experience. One study estimates that as many as 22 children born every day in the U.S could have birth injuries. During the birthing process, injuries can be inflicted to both the child and the mother in and outside the body. These injuries can cause physical, mental or emotional trauma for years to come. Some of these birth injuries are caused by the negligence of the doctor or medical staff. Learn more below.
Birth Trauma
Unfortunately, in the birthing process, there are many opportunities for injuries to occur. Birth trauma can mean a series of injuries to the baby or the mother. Many of these injuries can be sustained at the hands of a doctor or medical staff member. These injuries may cause developmental problems with the child later on in life. Trauma can also occur with the mother through excessive bleeding, improper care and internal injuries.
Injury to the Head and Neck
In the birthing process, the baby is vulnerable to various injuries. These injuries often affect the head, neck and shoulders. One common injury is Scalp Swelling, which occurs from pressure through the uterus or vaginal wall. However, these injuries are much more likely when a doctor or nurse is using forceps or other tools. Injuries to the head may cause developmental problems later in life. If a doctor or nurse uses tools like forceps and the baby is injured as a result, they may be held liable.
Broken Bones or Bruising
During childbirth, some injuries involve bruising and/or broken bones. When a doctor or nurse handles a baby too forcefully, they might inflict bruising or cause broken bones. The mother may also experience bruising if someone is gripping too tightly or if equipment damages the skin. Forceps and other tools can also cause bruising and broken bones. A doctor may be acting negligently if he/she inflicts these injuries on the mother or the child. Bruising and broken bones can leave the child suffering through the initial stages of life and usually need mending quickly after the birthing process is completed.
Weight Conditions
Babies born early can also cause weight issues, developmental problems and even life-long conditions that lead to impairments. If trauma is inflicted on a baby, or the baby is born early it may be underweight. The baby might also sustain injuries after a prolonged, difficult, or complicated labor. Abnormal positions of the baby in the womb can also harm both the child and mother.
Legal Support
In New Jersey there is a statute on medical malpractice cases that limits to two years within the date of the injury. However, because some injuries like Cerebral Palsy may not be discovered until childhood, there are some exceptions. Birth injuries may occur when a doctor or nurse is acting negligently. The mother will need the services and support of an experienced medical malpractice lawyer to get through the claim and pursue compensation.
Contact a Lake Worth Medical Malpractice Lawyer to Discuss Your Birth Injury Case in Florida
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a birth injury in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive medical malpractice attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. represent clients injured because of birth injuries in West Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, and throughout Florida. Call 561-898-0497 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 813 Lucerne Ave, Lake Worth, FL 33460, as well as offices in Pompano Beach.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.