Parental depression is one of the most difficult aspects when it comes to birth injuries. Many only assume this involves the mothers. In fact, one in five women do develop mental issues after childbirth regardless of the child suffering from an injury or not. Yet, researchers have now shown that father postnatal depression is untalked about and needs more awareness.
About Birth Injuries
A birth defect is a health problem that usually is DNA related. Some examples are Down Syndrome, a cleft palate or even a heart murmur. Sometimes birth defects derive from outside factors like taking SSRIs during pregnancy. A birth injury is one suffered by a child during labor or delivery or soon after birth. Birth injuries may range from minor problems such as lacerations or bruising to severe injuries that could prove fatal. Medical staff can make mistakes that harm your child. These mistakes could hurt him or her for their entire life. These mistakes could happen for a variety of reasons, including inattentiveness, exhaustion, or inexperience. When it comes to harming a newborn, these reasons are not excusable.
Parental Depression & Birth Injuries
Birth injuries often bring some form of emotional trauma since the injuries could be avoided. This can lead to parental depression. Plus, these experiences can bring anxiety, PTSD, adjustment disorder, and other conditions. Moreover, fathers report an overwhelming feeling of helplessness and being powerless. It is due to witnessing these injuries, yet they couldn’t protect their child.
Often, fathers are secondary victims of the injury. This is because medical staff pushes them aside while everyone cares for the mother or baby. However, they need help, too. Therefore, secondary victims can also file a birth injury claim. For this to be successful, the father needs to prove that there is love and affection with the mother when she suffered from negligence.
Compensation for Birth Injuries
Birth injuries are often lifelong complications that require consistent medical treatment and rehabilitation. Depending on the severity of the injuries, the financial costs associated with birth injuries can be expensive. These can range from several thousand to over a million during the lifespan of a child with birth injuries.
For instance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the lifetime costs of cerebral palsy (CP) is around $1 million. The costs associated with a child who suffers hearing loss after a birth injury typically ranges around $400,00.
Therefore, it is important to remember that if your child’s birth injuries are a result of medical negligence and carelessness, the medical staff, hospital, and/or physician may be liable for damages. A complex litigation attorney can help. At The Michael Brady Lynch Firm, our lawyers have decades of experience helping injured people get justice and full compensation for injuries caused negligence. The Michel Brady Lynch Firm regularly takes on the largest corporations in the world with a track record of proven success and results. Contact The Michael Brady Lynch Firm today, and our attorneys will review your case for free and help you protect your rights. For your complimentary consultation, call our office now.