.2412201450238.jpg)
The birth of a child should be a joyous occasion, but for some families, this moment is overshadowed by unexpected complications. Birth injuries, which occur during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, can have lasting effects on both the child and their family. Understanding the common causes of these injuries can provide clarity for families navigating such challenges and may be considering legal action. Here are six leading causes of birth injuries and what families need to know about their rights.
Medical Negligence
One of the most common causes of birth injuries is medical negligence. This occurs when healthcare providers fail to meet the expected standard of care, leading to harm to the mother or baby. Examples of negligence include:
- Misdiagnosing or failing to detect conditions that could complicate delivery, such as infections or gestational diabetes.
- Delaying a necessary C-section results in oxygen deprivation or other complications.
- Administering the wrong dosage of medications can have severe effects on the unborn child.
When negligence is involved, the consequences can be devastating, leading to lifelong conditions such as cerebral palsy, brain damage, or other permanent impairments.
Improper Use of Delivery Tools
Delivery tools like forceps and vacuum extractors can be life-saving in emergencies, but improper use of these devices can cause serious harm. Forceps, for example, may create pressure on a baby’s skull, leading to fractures, brain injuries, or facial paralysis. Similarly, vacuum extractors can cause scalp injuries, bleeding in the brain, or shoulder dystocia (a condition where the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck in the birth canal).
The misuse of these tools may result from inadequate training or poor judgment by medical practitioners. Such errors can leave children with long-term disabilities that require extensive treatment and care.
Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress
Fetal distress indicates that the baby’s health or oxygen supply is compromised. Symptoms such as irregular heart rates or decreased fetal movement should alert medical staff to potential issues. Failing to act quickly when fetal distress occurs can result in oxygen deprivation, which can lead to severe neurological conditions, including hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and cerebral palsy.
Continuous monitoring during labor and delivery is crucial. When medical professionals fail to monitor or respond to signs of distress properly, the consequences can alter the child’s entire future.
Prolonged Labor
While labor is naturally a challenging process, prolonged or complicated labor (also known as dystocia) can increase the risks of birth injuries. Extended labor places undue stress on both the mother and the child, raising the likelihood of complications, such as oxygen deprivation, nerve compression, or even physical trauma during delivery.
Medical teams are expected to intervene when labor becomes unusually long or risky. A failure to recognize the need for interventions like C-sections or the appropriate use of delivery tools can exacerbate the effects of prolonged labor, leading to serious injuries to the baby.
Maternal or Prenatal Conditions
Certain health conditions in the mother or complications during pregnancy can raise the risk of birth injuries. For instance:
- Uterine Ruptures during labor can create an emergency situation requiring immediate action.
- Preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy) can affect the baby’s oxygen supply and overall development.
- Diabetes or Obesity in the mother can result in larger-than-average babies (macrosomia), which increases the risk of injury during delivery.
Proper prenatal care is crucial to identifying and managing these risks early. Failure to do so may increase the potential for preventable injuries during childbirth.
Delayed or Mismanaged C-Sections
C-sections are often performed when vaginal delivery poses a risk to the baby or mother. However, delays in recognizing the need for a C-section or errors during the surgical procedure can lead to significant harm. A delayed response can result in asphyxia (oxygen deprivation), leading to brain damage or motor disorders in the newborn.
Additionally, improperly performed C-sections can cause injuries to the baby, such as cuts or trauma, and may also result in severe bleeding or infections for the mother. Timely and skilled intervention is essential to reduce the risks associated with these scenarios.
The Impact of Birth Injuries on Families
Birth injuries have far-reaching consequences for both the child and their family. Depending on the severity of the injury, children may require years—or even a lifetime—of medical treatment, therapies, and specialized care. This places an emotional burden on families and a significant financial strain due to mounting medical bills and reduced earning capacity for caregivers.
When these injuries result from negligence or preventable errors, families have the right to seek justice and compensation. Holding medical professionals accountable can also help ensure that similar mistakes don’t happen to other families in the future.
How Legal Assistance Can Help
Navigating the legal process of a birth injury claim can be overwhelming, but it’s an essential step for holding negligent parties accountable and securing compensation for your family’s needs. An experienced birth injury attorney can:
- Investigate the cause of the injury, reviewing medical records and timelines.
- Work with medical experts to prove negligence or malpractice.
- Pursue compensation to cover medical expenses, ongoing care, loss of future income, and pain and suffering.
Legal assistance ensures you understand your rights and helps you build a strong case that gives your family the best chance of achieving justice and financial relief.
Scranton Birth Injury Lawyer
At Rogan Law, we understand the complexities and challenges that families face when dealing with birth injuries. Our experienced legal team in Scranton, PA, is dedicated to helping families navigate the legal process and secure the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has been affected by a birth injury, don't hesitate to contact us today at (570) 906-8532 for a consultation. Let us help you explore your legal options and find the support you need during this difficult time.