Medical negligence may cause brain injuries at birth. Who is liable?

In the United States, about seven out of every one thousand babies born sustains serious birth injuries. While this is only a tiny percentage of all babies born, the effect of a birth injury can be devastating and life changing for the parents. Parents dream of a healthy child who will have dance recitals or hit a softball, but in cases of serious injury, they must reconcile this vision with the reality of a child who requires long-term care.

In some cases, birth injuries occur despite the very best medical care. They are caused by the circumstances of the birth and cannot be prevented. In other cases, birth injuries are caused by medical negligence. Examples of medical negligence include:

• Damage to the brain caused by forceps or other delivery tools

• Birth injuries or oxygen deprivation caused because a doctor waited too long to perform a Caesarian birth or C-section.

• Giving the mother medications that are dangerous to the fetus.

• Improper monitoring and screening of the mother during pregnancy.

• Improper monitoring of the mother during labor and delivery.

The most commonly known and perhaps the most devastating birth injuries are brain injuries. Brain injuries can occur if the baby is deprived of oxygen or if there is some sort of pressure to the brain. A child delivered using forceps may experience bruising on the scalp or brain and bleeding of the brain.

Cerebral Palsy is a brain injury caused by damage to the cerebrum. Children with Cerebral Palsy have difficulty controlling their movements. Cerebral Palsy may also affect mental capacity.

Some birth injuries can be treated if they are identified right away. Others cause permanent disability and require life long care.

If a birth injury occurred because of the negligence of a doctor or hospital, the medical provider may be held liable. If your child suffered a birth injury and you believe the doctor or hospital is at fault, you may be entitled to compensation that can pay for your child’s medical expenses and on-going care. Contact the Kansas City child injury attorneys at Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

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Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys
1102 Grand Blvd., Ste 1901
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816-471-5111
Toll Free: 888-348-2616
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Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys*
11900 College Boulevard, Suite 300
Overland Park, KS 66210
*By Appointment Only: Heather A. Lottmann & Victor B. Finkelstein

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Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys
1102 Grand Blvd., Ste 1901
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816-471-5111
Toll Free: 888-348-2616
Get Directions

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