Parents of babies born with birth injuries wonder why their child had to have this experience. Birth injuries can range from something relatively minor that will eventually heal, to severe injuries such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. But there are some indications that your child may suffer an injury that can be explained and detected before you go into labor, such as:
- Fetal Macrosomia (when the baby is much larger than he or she should be for his or her gestational age, or if the infant is heavier than 8 lbs. 13ozs, and the mother's pelvis is not large enough for the child's head to pass)
- Breech presentation
- Prolonged labor
- Induction of labor
- Use of epidural
- Delivery with instruments such as forceps and vacuum
- Premature delivery (before 37 weeks)
Babies who suffer severe injury at birth and survive will often face difficult lives filled with many challenges including developmental delays, cerebral palsy, cognitive difficulties and other disabilities. Raising a child with all of these health challenges can be costly and stressful. In some cases, the child will have ongoing medical needs that will cost the family a significant amount of money each month.
Can you pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit for a birth injury?
If your child is born with brain injuries or any other birth injuries caused by the doctor's or hospital’s negligence, you may wonder if your case is eligible for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit. If you believe your child’s injury was the result of negligence, or if the signs of a potential injury were there but they were ignored, then you may be able to bring a medical malpractice lawsuit on behalf of you child and yourself. The lawsuit can help you recover money for:
- Medical bills, such as hospital stays and surgical procedures
- Medication and prescription costs
- Rehabilitation costs, including tools and technologies you use in your home to care for your child
- Loss of income, both past, present and future if you must now care for your child full-time
- Pain and suffering of you or your child
- Funeral expenses if the injury should lead to a tragic loss of life
Living with a child with a serious birth injury can be challenging, but you do have options. We invite you to contact Crandall & Pera Law in Kentucky and Ohio to find out more about your options.