Attorneys Experienced in Fighting for Victims of Birth Injuries

Birth injury caused by medical mistakes or negligence, such as improper use of obstetrical devices by obstetricians, gynecologists, nurse practitioners and nurses can cause health problems that last a lifetime, and can even cause the death of the child or mother.

If you or your infant child were injured during childbirth or delivery, you may have a claim for medical malpractice against the individuals and or the birthing facility. A malpractice claim cannot remedy the physical harm, but you’re entitled to the maximum compensation to pay for your expenses and your suffering, and sometimes litigation is necessary to claim it. Attorneys experienced in medical malpractice cases, like those at Wallace Wason, PLLC, can 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). This can be caused by pulling, twisting or other manipulation of the baby, and is often associated with breech births.
• Spinal Cord Injuries – These injuries can cause permanent nerve damage, neurological issues, or partial or full paralysis, and can be caused by misuse or mishandling of forceps or vacuum extraction in the birthing process.
• Fractures – Breakage of bones is possible during difficult deliveries, often involving the clavicles or delicate facial bones. Skull fracture can also occur, sometimes resulting in brain bleeds and/or brain damage.
• Perinatal Asphyxia – Caused by oxygen deprivation, this situation can cause neurological impairment, coma, seizures, shock, brain damage or death.

Devices or Techniques That Can Result in Birth Injuries

Although any careless action on the part of a healthcare practitioner during childbirth can result in injury to the mother or child, some procedures and tools are known to cause injuries that often result in claims of malpractice.

Improper vacuum extraction can result in brain bleeds, cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, or injury to the mother.

An obstetric device that is associated with injuries sustained during the birth process is forceps, which can injure both mother and child. Forceps injuries in the mother can include tears in the uterus, bladder, vagina or rectum, causing 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 causing 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, and 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 at Wallace Wason, PLLC to find out if you have a valid medical malpractice claim and to preserve your rights to file.