There is nothing more terrifying than finding out that your child has sustained some sort of preventable harm. Too often, parents are faced with the devastating reality that their infant suffered a birth injury caused by medical malpractice. If your child is diagnosed with birth trauma, you need to speak with an attorney to determine the best course of action.
At Richard Schwartz & Associates, P.A., our Jackson birth injury lawyers will help you understand your rights and work to ensure you receive the largest possible recovery in your case. We know that this may be a challenging time for you and your family. We are here to help. Contact our office today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our legal team.
What Are the Leading Types of Birth Injuries?
Birth injuries can range in severity from minor to severe. In some cases, they may prove fatal. It is imperative that you speak to an attorney immediately after your child receives a diagnosis to ensure all potentially liable parties are held accountable for their harm.
Frequently diagnosed birth injuries include:
- Cerebral palsy - Cerebral palsy is the most commonly diagnosed childhood motor disability. It can be caused by several factors but may be the result of a lack of oxygen to the brain. Cerebral palsy can cause intellectual disabilities and developmental delays.
- Erb’s palsy - Another commonly diagnosed childhood injury is Erb’s palsy. Erb’s palsy is caused by the damage of nerves near the neck. Excessive force during labor can cause nerve damage and, ultimately, paralysis in severe cases.
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) - When a fetus does not receive enough oxygen to the brain, it can cause hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. This condition is frequently caused when a healthcare provider fails to diagnose fetal distress.
- Brachial plexus palsy - Brachial plexus palsy occurs when there is damage to the system of nerves located near the neck and shoulder. Erb’s palsy is the most common form of brachial plexus palsy.
- Brain hemorrhages - Brain hemorrhages and brain bleeds can occur during the labor and delivery process when there is prolonged labor, improper prenatal care, or an undiagnosed condition.
- Facial paralysis - The use of forceps and vacuum extraction devices can damage the nerves in and around the face resulting in paralysis.
- Skull and facial fractures - Excessive force or the improper use of assistive devices such as forceps and vacuum extractors can cause skull or facial fractures in an effort.
If your child was diagnosed with one of these or another condition after birth that you suspect was caused by medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation. It is strongly recommended that you speak with a Jackson birth injury lawyer to determine if you have a valid claim.
How Are Birth Injuries Caused?
Birth injuries are frequently caused by a healthcare provider’s negligence. You may be able to obtain compensation whether the doctor, nurse, or hospital was responsible for your child’s injury.
Birth injuries may be caused by:
- A lack of proper procedures at the hospital
- A failure to diagnose a timely C-section
- A failure to diagnose fetal distress
- A lack of proper fetal monitoring
- Inadequate prenatal care
- Anesthesia errors
- Errors during a C-section
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction devices
- Failure to treat detectable conditions
If your child is diagnosed with a birth injury, you need to speak with an attorney. You only have a limited amount of time to file a legal claim therefore, it is imperative to take action early. Do not wait until it is too late to pursue a lawsuit.
Do I Need a Birth Injury Lawyer?
It is generally in your best interest to consult with a Jackson birth injury lawyer. A lawyer can investigate your case to determine whether you have a valid claim for damages. Without an attorney, you could end up settling your case for less than it is worth or for nothing at all.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Birth Injury?
There may be one or more parties that can be held liable for your child’s birth trauma. It is not only a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional who may share legal responsibility for your child’s harm, but also the hospital itself. A lawyer can help determine who should be held liable and how to pursue a claim against them.
Did Your Child Sustain a Birth Injury?
Did your child sustain a birth injury in Jackson, Mississippi? Contact our office to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. There are no fees unless we win.
Our Jackson birth injury lawyers will help you understand your rights and will fight to make sure that you receive the best possible outcome in your case. We have helped numerous individuals obtain financial compensation after their injuries. Let us help you get the recovery you deserve for the harm you or your child received.
