Giving birth is a magical experience for many women. However, a birth injury caused by medical malpractice can turn it into something incredibly difficult and heartbreaking. You should be compensated for the medical malpractice you experienced. Here are a few situations where a birth injury lawyer in Baltimore can help you.
Ask a Birth Injury Lawyer in Baltimore: 7 Examples of Birth Injury That Could Lead to a Settlement
1. Injuries from Forceps
When a baby is born, there may be some minor bruising on the face. This is simply from passing through the birth canal, and they normally heal easily on their own. If your baby had to be delivered with the help of forceps, there may be some additional marks and bruising.
However, if the forceps are not used correctly, this could result in some major trauma and injuries to your baby’s head. Your lawyer can help you build your case and ensure you get a fair settlement.
2. Brachial Palsy
If there is an issue delivering your baby’s shoulder, this could result in brachial palsy. When the nerves that control the movement of your baby’s arm and hand are injured, your baby may lose the ability to properly move or flex their arm and hand.
If the area was just bruised, movement should return within a few months. However, if the nerves were torn during the birth, there may be permanent damage. You can work with a qualified lawyer to help you get the compensation you need to deal with the healing process.
3. Brain Damage
Several things can happen during birth that might cause brain damage to your baby. For instance, your baby’s oxygen supply could be cut off, the umbilical cord might choke them, or there could be bleeding in the brain. The use of equipment like vacuums or blunt force could also cause brain damage.
Dealing with your baby’s brain damage is difficult and traumatizing for everyone. If your baby’s brain was damaged during the birth because of the negligence or incompetence of the doctor, then you should be compensated. Your lawyer will ensure that you receive a fair settlement.
4. Cerebral Palsy
The majority of the time, cerebral palsy is caused because of a brain injury during childbirth. It can be the result of negligence on your doctor’s part, but there are a variety of other things that could cause this condition. If you experienced medical malpractice and your baby’s brain was injured, make sure you speak to a lawyer.
5. Injuries from Vacuum Extraction
In some cases, a vacuum needs to be used during a baby’s birth to help deliver the baby. Your doctor should have received proper training in the use of the vacuum, and they should know how to deliver your baby safely.
Some complications may arise with the use of a vacuum. If these complications were caused by a doctor’s negligence or incompetence, this counts as medical malpractice. Your baby could experience fractures to the skull, shoulder injuries, or bleeding in the brain because of improper use of a vacuum.
6. C-Section Injuries
A C-section is a method of delivering a baby in which an incision is made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. This is major surgery, and most doctors will try to avoid it whenever possible. If it’s deemed the safest method of delivery, however, then it will need to be performed.
There is the possibility of both the baby and the mother being injured during a C-section. Your baby may experience broken bones, breathing problems, brain damage, and even lacerations to the skin from the scalpel. If you experienced medical malpractice during your C-section, make sure to call a birth injury lawyer in Baltimore.
7. Epidural Injuries
Many women who give birth choose to have an epidural. This is a type of local anesthetic that helps numb the pain women feel in the lower half of their bodies while staying in control and maintaining sensation in their upper halves.
Unfortunately, if it’s not administered correctly there could be issues that you or your baby experience because of the epidural. Your baby could experience breathing difficulties or changes to their heart rate. There could even be oxygen deprivation or brain damage. If you have experienced any of these complications, make sure to get in touch with your lawyer.
If your baby was injured during their birth, this can make something magical turn into something traumatizing and frightening. If you have experienced medical malpractice that resulted in a birth injury, your lawyer is here to help.
