What are some possible birth injuries?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional fails to perform their duty adequately or is negligent in properly caring for a patient. A birth injury resulting from negligent medical treatment can result in injury to the baby. Some of the most common birth injuries can occur by:

• Inducing labor too early in the pregnancy
• Failing to respond to signs of fetal distress, thus depriving the child of oxygen
• Misusing forceps or vacuum extraction during delivery
• Not diagnosing an infection in the mother
• A Brachial plexus injury happens when there is difficulty delivering the baby’s shoulder
• Failing to perform a Cesarean section after a term of prolonged labor, leaving the baby in the birth canal too long without oxygen
• Problems associated with the umbilical cord, such as it being tied around the neck of the baby, cutting off their supply of oxygen

Some of the most common birth injuries occur when the collarbone is fractured during delivery. This often happens with a breech delivery. Newborns can be afflicted with Meningitis when doctors fail to diagnose an infection in the mother. When infants are delivered prematurely, they may suffer from Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), making it difficult for them to breathe on their own. They may require mechanical ventilation until their lungs are fully developed.

Many birth complications occur as an accident, but when medical professionals behave in a reckless or negligent manner, they need to be held liable for their actions. A skilled medical malpractice attorney may be able to file a suit against the healthcare workers responsible so that you can obtain compensation for your child’s injuries.