Babies are vulnerable during the birthing process, and medical negligence can cause severe and permanent brain trauma. Although brain damage can happen for genetic reasons, a significant number of infant brain injuries are preventable.
According to Medscape, severe birth injuries occur in fewer than 2 percent of neonatal births in the United States. Most of these happen due to the mechanical forces placed on the baby. If the negligence of a doctor or nurse contributes to the injury, then the mother may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
Although no amount of compensation can undo the trauma of a brain injury, making a claim can save other people from the same mistreatment. A successful claim may also provide much-needed financial support to pay for the child’s medical expenses.
If your child suffered brain damage during the birthing process, contact Morris Bart, LLC. A Baton Rouge personal-injury attorney can determine if you may have grounds for a claim.
Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a consultation. Until then, read on to learn about two common causes of infant brain trauma:
Traumatic Delivery
According to the Baby Center, a traumatic birth happens when a mother suffers complications during the birthing process. These complications may cause severe tears and other physical problems.
Many traumatic deliveries also affect infants. The doctor may push or pull on the child’s head during the delivery process, or may use a tool to deliver the unborn child. If the physician causes an injury to the child, then he or she may be guilty of medical malpractice.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Oxygen Deprivation
Oxygen deprivation during the birthing process is a common cause of infant brain damage. Modern medical techniques make it relatively easy to avoid these complications under most circumstances, which is why many medical malpractice claims stem from infant oxygen deprivation. If the doctor makes a mistake that causes oxygen deprivation, then the infant may suffer lifelong injuries or die.
There are several potential causes of infant oxygen deprivation. In some cases, the umbilical cord wraps around the fetus’s neck, which the doctor must cut quickly in order to restore normal breathing.
Infants who experience mild to moderate oxygen deprivation during birth often make full recoveries – particularly if the doctor is attentive and responds accordingly. However, babies who do not have oxygen for an extended period of time may suffer permanent damage to the brain, heart, lungs and internal organs.
Medical malpractice during birth can be difficult to prove because infants are susceptible to a range of injuries and complications from natural causes. As such, it may be beneficial to discuss your case with a personal-injury lawyer who can structure your claim and arrange an independent medical evaluation.
A Louisiana medical malpractice attorney from Morris Bart, LLC can evaluate your case, gather evidence and handle settlement negotiations on your behalf. You may be entitled to compensation for health-care bills and other damages. Schedule a consultation today by calling 800-537-8185.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.