Medical malpractice and birth injuries

Although advanced technology and medical practices have minimized the risk of adverse events occurring during the birthing process, mistakes still happen. These mistakes and medical errors may result in a serious birth injury that can affect your new baby and your family. 

One common type of birth injury involves brain bleeding, swelling, bruising or a lack of oxygen to the brain. This can cause a condition called Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy, which causes serious mental dysfunction. Erb’s Palsy or hemorrhages can also occur if the baby is pulled from the womb improperly. 

Another type of injury that can occur during the birthing process is broken or fractured bones. This most commonly occurs in babies that have large birth weights or are breech. Physicians who deliver babies in these situations must be extremely careful not to crack a delicate bone. 

Certain factors present during a pregnancy warrant special attention. If the proper medical attention is not given, it may result in a birth injury. These factors include the following: 

• Premature births 
• Prolonged labor 
• Use of instruments during delivery, such as vacuums or forceps 
• Pulling or stress on the baby 
• Mother has high blood pressure or other medical conditions 
• Mother has an abnormally shaped pelvis 

Physicians and medical staff who fail to attend to complications during a pregnancy are responsible for whatever happens as a result of the negligence. The delivery room is often chaotic, and it is critical that nothing is overlooked when it comes to handling mothers and babies. A slight mistake could result in the baby suffering from a significant mental or physical disability or end in death for either the mother or baby.