A new study details that babies without even the smallest amount of oxygen at birth can suffer learning and behavior problems later in life. Experts compared newborns with normal deliveries versus those who experienced even the slightest lack of oxygen. Babies, later on, developed brain injuries that caused permanent neurological damage (hypoxia) or cerebral palsy.
Lack of Oxygen & Brain Injuries
Cerebral palsy is one of the most common disorders in the United States, affecting around 500,000 people. It is also a very complicated disorder with a number of different types and symptoms. Although it is a common disorder, no one knows for sure how exactly an infant develops cerebral palsy. Research shows that it occurs either during birth or shortly after a brain malformation or injury.
Hypoxia delivery dangers are unfortunately common. They affect 6 out of every 1,000 newborns. Hypoxia occurs when a baby receives inadequate oxygen to its brain before, during, or after delivery. The condition can lead to brain injury and, if improperly treated, may progress into a permanent disorder, such as cerebral palsy, cognitive deficiencies, or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
Medical Malpractice
Injuries happen quickly with hypoxia or cerebral palsy, however, if medical professionals perform the right steps, permanent disabilities will not occur. There have been many advancements in hypoxia identification and treatment in the past 15 years. Therefore, permanent injury from hypoxia can be due to medical negligence. There are standards to ensure that any distress is identified and promptly treated. If a doctor fails to uphold these standards and an infant injury happens, the doctor could be liable.
This is true even with mild oxygen loss. Unless a baby has Therapeutic Hypothermia (known as cooling therapy) within the first six hours of birth, brain injury is common. The study showed that development delays in these children are two years behind. Experts are urging for more research in this area.
Costs Associated with Birth Injuries
Birth injuries are often lifelong complications that require consistent medical treatment and rehabilitation. Depending upon the severity of the injuries, the financial costs associated with birth injuries can range from several thousands to over a million. This is during the lifespan of a child with birth injuries.
For instance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the lifetime costs associated with a child who has cerebral palsy (CP) is around $1 million. The costs associated with hearing loss after a birth injury typically is around $400,000.
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 records of proven success and results. Contact The Michael Brady Lynch Firm today. Our attorneys will review your case for free and help you protect your rights. For your complimentary consultation, call our office now.
Get Legal Help
It is also 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 records of proven success and results. Therefore, 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.