Baltimore Infant Injury Lawyer
The birth of a new baby should be a reason for parents to celebrate. Unfortunately, too many parents experience tragedy during the birthing process and often, these events are the result of medical malpractice. When a newborn suffers from a preventable injury during childbirth, there is a likelihood that the family can file a claim against the healthcare professional that was responsible for causing the harm. If your child was hurt before, during, or after the birthing process, our Baltimore infant injury attorney can advise you of your legal rights.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is one of the most commonly reported birth injuries throughout the United States. The term ‘cerebral palsy’ actually refers to a number of different medical conditions and symptoms that are caused by brain damage sustained before or during childbirth. Oxygen deprivation is often the cause of cerebral palsy, but other forms of trauma can also cause the condition. Although some children can continue to live relatively normal lives with cerebral palsy, others are left significantly disabled. There is currently no cure for cerebral palsy so any child born with it will suffer from it for the rest of their life.
Brachial Plexus Injuries
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that extend from the neck through the clavicle and into the upper arm. The shoulders are the widest part of an infant’s body that must fit through the birth canal and so, there is always a chance of them becoming stuck. Doctors who negligently use excessive force or who improperly move the child may cause a brachial plexus injury in the child. Brachial plexus injuries can result in nerve damage, paralysis, and Erb’s palsy, a condition that causes slow muscle growth in the affected arm.
Injuries from Improper Use of Medical Devices
Medical devices such as forceps and vacuum extractors should always be avoided whenever possible during childbirth. Still, sometimes they are necessary to avoid prolonged labor, which can injure both the mother and child. When devices are used improperly, it can result in brachial plexus injuries, brain damage, head injuries, and more. In many cases, these effects are permanent.
Failure to Order a Timely Cesarean Section
It is not uncommon for a woman to begin a vaginal birth only to experience complications that require an emergency Cesarean section, more commonly referred to as a C-section. Doctors must recognize the need for this operation and order it as soon as it is necessary. Failure to do so could result in very serious infant injuries such as brain damage, bone fractures, developmental disabilities, and more.
Let Our Infant Injury Attorney in Baltimore Get Started on Your Claim Today
If your child has been harmed due to medical negligence, our Baltimore infant injury attorney at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC can provide the sound legal advice you need. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping families through the difficult time after a birth injury, and we want to help you, too. Call us today at 410.567.0800 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
