Having a child is one of the most exciting and terrifying times of one’s life, with parents wondering what to expect. Although in the vast majority of situations babies are born healthy, other times babies are delivered having sustained injuries – which may have occurred in utero or during the delivery. When the injuries are the result of medical malpractice, the doctors, hospital or other medical staff involved may be held accountable and responsible for paying damages. While filing a lawsuit may be the furthest thing from your mind, the costs of raising a child who has suffered a serious birth injury may be substantial and last a life time.
One of the most common types of birth injuries is cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that can be caused by a lack of oxygen to an infant’s brain. This lack of oxygen may be the result of a delay in performing a Cesarean Section, trauma during delivery, or complications from a premature delivery. There are several different types of Cerebral Palsy, however symptoms generally include difficulty with movement and muscle control, as well as cognitive delays. In some cases, babies born with cerebral palsy are unable to care for themselves. Further, some children will not show signs of cerebral palsy for two to three years, as they start to develop and are unable to reach their milestones.
Another common birth injury is a brachial plexus injury. This can be the result of a physician improperly resolving shoulder dystocia – when a baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone and the doctor pulls too hard - or when the doctor uses excessive force on the baby’s head, neck or shoulder. A brachial plexus injury is an injury to the group of nerves which control arm movement. When it is injured, the child may have limited arm and hand movement. It is often permanent.
If your child has suffered one of these injuries due to negligence at birth, it may be possible to file a medical malpractice suit. For more information, please contact the experienced California birth injury lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP for an immediate consultation.