Boston Labor Injury Attorneys
Every year in the United States, about seven in 1,000 babies are born with a birth injury.
There are many causes for these injuries and numerous types of birth injuries. Some are temporary and resolve themselves. Others are persistent, possibly correctable with therapy and/or surgery. Still others leave the victim with life-long disability. In extreme cases, death ensues.
The shock and sadness that befalls the new parents of infants with birth injuries is understandable. Not only has their child been harmed, but often it has been at the hands of a medical team in which they placed their trust. Perhaps the injury occurred because the mother had some kind of illness or medical condition, but, in some cases, it happened because of mistakes or negligence on the part of a doctor or nurse.
In the case of hypoxia birth injury, an inadequate amount of oxygen reaching the baby’s body cells, a compressed cord would cause a low fetal heart rate and would be an indicator of the need for a cesarean section. If the medical provider hesitates too long, that baby would likely suffer from brain damage. It is also in these high-pressure situations that a doctor or nurse is more likely to make a mistake. In the case of a prolonged labor, a doctor may choose to assist the delivery of the baby's head with the use of instruments like forceps or a vacuum extractor. These surgical interventions are not uncommon. Unfortunately, they come with risks. There are risks of skull fracture, lacerations, facial nerve damage and subgaleal hemorrhage. It is vital that the practitioner be well trained on the instrument use and understand in which situations that use is appropriate. There are risks of birth injury during cesarean deliveries as well. Some common injuries include skin lacerations, brachial plexus, skull fractures and clavicle fractures.
Nobody wants to be part of a statistic citing birth injuries. However, these injuries do happen. Sometimes they are unavoidable, but, on occasion, there is somebody at fault. The consequences of a serious birth injury can be heartbreaking and very expensive. If you feel your child experienced a birth injury that was preventable, consult with one of our Boston birth injury lawyers. The Kiley Law Group has the expertise to assess your case, pursue your claim and seek compensation to help you cope with future costs to care for your child. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
