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Helping People Understand Causes Of Birth Injury

Although past generations assumed that birth defects were unavoidable accidents of nature, we now know that medical negligence often plays a key role. Genetic irregularities are often diagnosable during pregnancy, and many birth injuries are preventable.

At Britcher, Leone & Sergio, LLC, we understand how frustrating and emotional medical malpractice cases can be — especially when it affects your child. If you need clear and accurate information, do not hesitate to contact a qualified personal injury lawyer.

Birth Injury During Pregnancy

Birth injuries often occur because of neglected pregnancy complications. Quality prenatal care typically includes tests that should alert doctors to the presence of complications, such as maternal diabetes or preeclampsia.

A negligent obstetrician’s failure to respond to risks can be the reason for many birth injuries, including brain injury, Erb’s palsy and birth infections. Failure to diagnose or alert pregnant mothers of defects such as Tay-Sachs, cystic fibrosis or Down syndrome could justify a lawsuit.

Birth Injury During Labor

The most common cause of birth injuries is undetected or unaddressed fetal distress during labor or delivery. Failure to take proper action when fetal distress occurs can result in hypoxic brain injuries from hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and cerebral palsy.

If an OB-GYN fails to diagnose or treat a mother’s preexisting infection, listeriosis, E. coli or HIV, a baby may become infected during birth. Complications such as sepsis or meningitis may develop in a baby who has been exposed to a virus, bacteria or fungus from the mother. Delayed diagnosis and treatment may lead to permanent brain injury.

Birth Injury During Delivery

When a doctor or nurse tries to force the baby out, the nerve structure emanating from the spine near the neck can be hurt This may cause a permanent inability of the baby to use that arm, a condition also known as Erb’s palsy. Also, permanent injury to the brain can be caused by an umbilical cord wrapped around a baby’s neck. A prolapsed cord can occur if doctors fail to recognize the condition.

Post-Natal Birth Injury

Newborn babies sometimes suffer irreparable harm due to undiagnosed or untreated respiratory or blood chemistry problems. Improper intubation, failure to treat poorly developed lungs, or the failure to recognize or treat elevated bilirubin levels can result in permanent harm.

Personalized And Compassionate Counsel

If you are still unsure what caused the injuries, it is critical to seek a second or third medical opinion. You may also reach out to our attorneys, and we can help you review the possibilities.

To set up a meeting with our attorneys, contact our law firm through email or call us at 201-444-1644. You deserve to work with an advocate who will help you understand and protect your rights.