The events of childbirth are exciting and unpredictable. That’s why most women trust their obstetrician to take the necessary precautions and ensure their baby’s health.
Recent statistics show that out of every one thousand babies born, twenty-seven suffer minor to debilitating birth injuries. Yet patients of childbirth rarely blame their doctor for these injuries, nor do they investigate the births for evidence of medical malpractice.
If your child suffers from an injury sustained during pregnancy, labor or delivery, contact one of our respected personal injury attorneys at the Cincinnati based law offices of O’Connor Acciani & Levy Co., LPA.
Do I Have A Case?
Some injuries are not evident for a long time after the baby’s birth. Lack of oxygen during delivery may cause brain damage and developmental delays. Damage to the nervous system may affect nerve function and may be hidden for years.
Cerebral palsy is a disorder that may be initiated at birth due to an oxygen deficiency, prolapsed umbilical cord or delayed Cesarean section procedure. Stresses to baby’s heart during labor and delivery can lead to future problems. Spinal cord injury can cause paralysis.
Other birth injuries include bruising, forceps damage, bleeding, and broken bones. If the baby’s shoulder is pulled or over-stretched during delivery, arm and hand nerve damage is possible. This injury, known as Brachial Plexus, may result in reduced muscle control and decreased feeling or paralysis of these limbs.
Even if you are unsure that your infants injuries were caused by medical malpractice or medical negligence, you owe it to yourself and your newborn to have the incident investigated by an qualified attorney. Many parents carry unwarranted guilt for their child’s abnormality, when a simple legal evaluation would tell them if they have a medical malpractice case.