One of a parent’s greatest joys is seeing their child enter the world. But grievously, medical errors during labor and delivery can cause lifelong injuries to newborns.
A birth injury case can be emotionally and financially draining. Still, with the proper legal representation, you can get your entitled compensation to help pay for your child’s ongoing medical needs. In addition, a lawyer can ensure you hold the responsible parties accountable to provide your child with the care they need.
Common Birth Injuries Due to Negligence
Here are the ten most common birth injuries caused by medical mistakes:
- Cerebral Palsy: Includes several disorders that affect a child’s ability to move and maintain balance.
- Brachial Plexus Injury: Nerve damage to those responsible for controlling arms and hands.
- Erb’s Palsy: Weakness or paralysis of the arm caused by damage to the brachial plexus.
- Klumpke’s Palsy: Weakness or paralysis of the hand and wrist caused by damage to the brachial plexus.
- Shoulder Dystocia: When the baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone during delivery.
- Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): Brain damage from a lack of oxygen.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Potentially cause paralysis or loss of sensation.
- Fractures: Bone fractures due to incorrect usage of delivery tools like forceps and vacuum extractors.
- Facial Nerve Damage: Injury to the nerves that control facial movements.
- Caput Succedaneum: Swelling of the scalp caused by pressure on the baby’s head during delivery.
These injuries can be caused by various medical errors, including improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors, failure to monitor fetal distress, failure to perform a timely cesarean section and improper administration of medications.
How Can a Lawyer Help with a Birth Injury Case?
A lawyer can provide legal advice, represent you in court and help you helm the intricate legal system. For example, in the case of birth injuries caused by medical errors, a lawyer can determine if you have a case, gather supporting evidence to your claim and negotiate with insurance companies to obtain a fair settlement.
Furthermore, a lawyer can represent you in court, presenting your case to a jury in the best possible light. They can also handle all the legal paperwork, filings and deadlines associated with your case, freeing you up to focus on your child’s care and recovery.
Seeking Legal Advice from Burnside Law Firm
If your newborn has sustained a birth injury from a medical error, it is crucial to seek legal advice from a legal firm specializing in birth injury cases like Burnside Law Firm. Contact us to arrange a consultation as soon as possible.
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