Medical malpractice and negligence represent a serious issue in the healthcare industry. Cases such as wrong medication dosage or improper handling by medical staff can lead to different problems.
More serious cases can lead to long-term, irreversible injuries and even life-threatening situations. Many birth injuries, for instance, are caused by negligence and malpractice of attending professionals. While these professionals do their best to provide high-quality care, mishaps could still occur in the delivery room.
To learn more about birth injuries that may arise due to negligence and malpractice, here are a few examples.
Bone Injuries
Bone injuries are common in difficult deliveries. The injury usually happens in the infant’s collar bone. Fracture occurs when the baby is in breech position and is pulled too hard. The good news is that the fracture may heal on its own in 10 days.
Cerebral Palsy and Chronic Seizures
Brain injuries may arise when the supply of oxygen to the brain is too low. If not treated immediately, the injury could lead to serious conditions such as cerebral palsy and chronic seizures. This is why it’s important to monitor the infant constantly following the delivery. Birth injury lawyers suggest demanding for compensation when proven that the disorder stemmed from malpractice or negligence of the healthcare provider or professional.
Erb’s Palsy and Klumpke’s Palsy
Erb’s palsy and Klumpke’s palsy are two types of brachial palsy injuries. These birth defects are caused by damage to the brachial plexus, a group of nerves vital for arm and hand movements. These conditions arise when the baby’s shoulders are trapped in the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery. Too much force or improper handling by the physician, in this case, could lead to Erb’s palsy and Klumpke’s palsy later on.
Treatment and care of children who are victims of serious birth injuries can be financially and emotionally problematic. You can demand compensation when your newborn sustains serious, irreversible injury due to the fault of a medical practitioner. Consult with a licensed birth injury lawyer to learn more about it.