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.
Causes of Common Birth Injuries
There are a few common causes of birth injuries. These include premature birth, medical negligence, fetal oxygen deprivation, trauma from the pressure during delivery, and many more. The outcome of a birth injury can be devastating to a child and his or her family.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy one of the most commonly seen birth injuries caused by umbilical cord problems, placental abruption, bleeding in the brain, head injury, and other brain infections.
Erb’s Palsy
When a medical professional applies too much force to a baby’s head or neck during delivery, it can cause the nerves in the shoulder area to tear. This results in the weakness of the baby’s arms.
Medical Negligence
Fetal or pregnancy infections not caught by medical professionals can cause permanent injury, disability, and brain damage. A delayed C-section can also cause permanent birth injury. This is usually due to medical negligence. Medical experts should act quickly and appropriately to help avoid complications to both mother and baby. However, when he or she does not, these injuries happen.
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 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 associated with a child who has 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. We have 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. Therefore, for your complimentary consultation, call our office now.