Attorneys Experienced in Fighting for Victims of Birth Injuries

Birth injury caused by medical mistakes or negligence, such as improper use of obstetrical devices can lead to health problems that last a lifetime. Serious injury or death of the child or mother in the birthing process can lead to a lifetime of pain and emotional distress.

You may have a claim for medical malpractice if you or your infant child were injured during labor, childbirth or delivery.  This claim may be against the healthcare professionals as individuals and or the birthing facility.

Of course, a malpractice lawsuit cannot remedy the physical harm or take away emotional pain.  You’re still entitled to the maximum compensation possible if you were injured by another.  Sometimes litigation is necessary to claim it.

Attorneys experienced in medical malpractice cases, like those at Wallace Wason, PLLC, can help ease the process.

Common Types of Birth Injuries

Certain types of injuries are common during delivery and childbirth. They are not always the result of medical malpractice or negligence, but the following types of birth injuries are commonly seen in malpractice lawsuits:

• Brachial Plexus Injury – Injuries to the nerve bundle that affects the neck, shoulder, arm and hand can cause a condition called Erb’s Palsy or neonatal brachial plexus paralysis (NBPP). Pulling, twisting or other manipulation of the baby causes Brachial Plexus Injuries which is often associated with breech births.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – These injuries can cause permanent nerve damage, neurological issues, or partial or full paralysis. Misuse or mishandling of forceps or vacuum extraction in the birthing process can cause these injuries.
• Fractures – Breakage of bones is possible during difficult deliveries. This often involves the clavicles or delicate facial bones. Further, skull fracture can also occur, sometimes resulting in brain bleeds and/or brain damage.
• Perinatal Asphyxia – Perinatal Asphyxia is caused by oxygen deprivation, which can result in neurological impairment, coma, seizures, shock, brain damage or death.

Devices or Techniques That Can Result in Birth Injuries

Injuries can be caused by any careless action on the part of a healthcare practitioner during childbirth. This is true, however some procedures and tools are known to result in claims of malpractice for injury to the mother or child.

Improper vacuum extraction can result in:

• brain bleeds,
• cerebral palsy,
• Erb’s palsy in the infant, or
• pelvic injury to the mother.

Another obstetric device associated with birth injuries is forceps, which can injure both mother and child. Forceps injuries in the mother can include tears in the uterus, bladder, vagina or rectum. These injuries can cause permanent pain in the perineum or other areas, and blood clots.

Injuries to the newborn infant from forceps that are common include:

• brain bleeds,
• skull fractures (often with seizures)
• facial paralysis,
• Erb’s palsy, or
• cerebral palsy.

Birth Injury – Is it Medical Malpractice?

If you or your family have suffered a birth injury or loss of an infant, you probably have questions about what you are legally entitled to. You may not know how you should proceed. If the injury or loss was the result of malpractice, you deserve compensation.  A confidential evaluation of your case can help determine your best course of action. Give us a call or contact us today at Wallace Wason, PLLC at 703-638-7717.

If you have been seriously hurt, we will help you make a serious recovery. ^TM