Although the United States has some of the most advanced medical technologies, statistics show it is unable to provide adequate care to new born babies, with 6 out of every 1000 babies incurring traumatic injuries at birth. The effects of certain injuries are often difficult to detect as speech patterns and behavioral issues develop as the child grows.
Typically, birth injuries occur due to the increased pressure put on the baby while passing through the birth canal. Issues such as prolonged labor, legs-first delivery, premature birth, and the doctors’ use of forceps can increase the chances of injury at birth. Although some of the situations that cause birth injury are beyond doctors’ control, if any of the following issues arise, you might want to discuss the situation with legal counsel:
Failure to accommodate increased pain or discomfort
Inappropriate use of hormones to speed up labor
Failure to respond to internal bleeding or fetal distress
Delay in diagnosing and ordering the need for a cesarean section
Failure to attend to infections after birth
There are ways to detect injuries to your newborn baby. Bruising, swelling, or scratches on the face or head might have been caused by negligent use of forceps or a vacuum extractor. If the infant is unable to move one extremity, or cry or laugh with only one side of their face showing emotion, they might be paralyzed. Other injuries such as broken bones or cerebral palsy are harder to detect until the child starts crawling or walking, hearing and responding to stimuli, and developing speech patterns.
If you suspect any of the above issues with your, or someone else’s child, it is imperative for you to get the child checked by a doctor. Also, upon discovery of an injury sustained at the birth of the child, it is important for you to speak with an attorney to discuss your case and remain within the statute of limitations.