10. Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the term given to a group of disorders that affect movement and muscle tone. CP is often caused by damage to a baby’s developing brain before, during, or after birth. Medical malpractice often contributes to CP because of a failure to monitor a baby’s oxygen levels during delivery or ignoring a necessary Cesarean section. Early symptoms include abnormal reflexes and difficulty feeding.
11. Perinatal Asphyxia
This birth injury occurs when a baby doesn’t receive adequate oxygen before, during, or shortly after birth. Early symptoms include difficulty breathing, abnormal heart rate, and weak or absent crying. It varies in severity—the most complex cases frequently cause long-term damage.
12. Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
HIE is brain damage caused by a prolonged or severe lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain during or immediately following birth. It usually results from severe perinatal asphyxia. HIE has many symptoms and leads to long-term neurological issues.
13. Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS)
MAS occurs when during delivery, infants inhale a mixture of their meconium or first feces and amniotic fluid. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, cyanosis, grunting, or wheezing. Depending on severity, MAS can cause long-term respiratory issues and other problems.
What to Do if Your Child May Have a Birth Injury
Whether this is your first child or one of many, each delivery is unique. At first, you might feel you’re overreacting to signs that something might be wrong but don’t doubt your instincts. Contact your pediatrician or another qualified medical provider right away to discuss your concerns so they can perform a thorough evaluation and testing.
If your child did experience a birth injury, follow the recommended treatment plan and continue to monitor your child’s symptoms and progress. It’s also important to review your child’s birth records and any medical documentation related to the injury, as this information can be useful for ongoing care and consultations with specialists—and to share with legal counsel should you decide to take legal action.
When to Consult Fowler Pickert Eisenmenger Norfleet About Your Child’s Birth Injury
It’s never too soon to have a consultation with one of our medical malpractice attorneys, as our considerable experience with these cases allows us to provide a thorough evaluation of your circumstances and advise if you should pursue a settlement that addresses:
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Unresolved medical costs. If you’re facing substantial bills for the treatment and management of the birth injury, we’ll outline what losses you’re due to recover.
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Medical negligence or error. If you suspect contributing factors to your baby’s complicated birth included improper use of delivery instruments, failure to monitor fetal distress, or incorrectly administering medication, our lawyers will examine all the evidence to prove that a duty of care was breached.
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Complex or severe injury. If your child experienced a severe or complex birth that may have long-term effects on their development or quality of life or that may lead to permanent disabilities, we’ll structure a strong case for compensation that accounts for their current and future needs.
Birth injury cases often involve multiple parties, such as hospitals, individual health care providers, and insurance companies. At Fowler Pickert Eisenmenger Norfleet, our compassionate legal team has a vital track record of success in medical malpractice cases, including those involving birth injuries. Trust us to care for your family’s needs during this troubling time.
