The majority of California births occur without complication, and with the delivery of a healthy child. However, in a small percentage of cases, preventable medical mistakes occur, and the baby may sustain a birth injury. Types of birth injuries may include brachial plexus as a result of shoulder dystocia. When a baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone, it may be possible to make adjustments and deliver the baby without injury. However, in some instances doctors and other medical personnel may pull too hard or use too much force, injuring the complex set of nerves near the child’s shoulder.
This is called brachial plexus. Brachial plexus is not always permanent. In fact, it is common for babies to heal by the time they reach six months. However, more severe brachial plexus injuries might require surgery and may never fully heal. Brachial plexus injuries that never heal might cause the baby to experience muscle spasms or partial/total loss of function for the rest of his or her life.
Brain injuries comprise another possible area of concern during deliveries. When delays in delivery occur, an infant may be deprived of oxygen and blood flow. In these situations, a brain injury may result. Doctors, nurses and other delivery room staff should be aware of the warning signs of fetal distress and take immediate action, such as ordering an emergency Cesarean Section. The failure to respond quickly to fetal distress can lead to a preventable birth injury. When a brain injury occurs at birth, the results can be catastrophic and last a lifetime.
If your child sustained a preventable injury at birth, the costs of medical care and therapy can rapidly become excessive. If you believe that a doctor, nurse or other medical staff may have made a medical mistake and injured your child, is important to begin an investigation immediately. Where negligent actions caused harm, legal help may be available. For more information or to discuss your options, please contact the experienced California birth injury attorneys at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP for an immediate consultation.