Three tips for victims of birth injury in Maryland

 

A birth injury can lead to medical expenses and other costs for the infant and family.

A birth injury is, essentially, a physical injury that results during the labor and delivery of a child. The injury can range in severity from relatively minor injuries, like bruising, that are easily overcome to extremely severe injuries, like damage to the nervous system and brain, which are fatal to the child.

What causes birth injuries?

Birth injuries can result from a number of issues. Physicians are trained to reduce the risk of potential issues during prenatal care visits. One step is to watch for certain factors that can increase this risk, including the size of the developing fetus and the position it is taking within the womb. Any concerns should be addressed and could result in a scheduled cesarean or other form of intervention to reduce the risk of issues during delivery.

Other factors that can increase the risk of an injury include a difficult labor and the use of devices, like a vacuum or forceps, to assist in delivering the infant. In some cases, the injury may be the result of an obstetrician’s failure to intervene if the vitals of the fetus become concerning, in others the medical professional may attempt to intervene but the attempt may be improper or negligently executed.

What options are available for victims of birth injuries?

When intervention is lacking or done poorly, injuries can result. Those who believe their child was injured during the birthing process can benefit from the following tips:

  • Monitor development. There are a number of milestones that babies and children are supposed to meet as they age. Although it is not uncommon for children to meet some milestones early, others right within the expected time periods and still others a bit later than expected, there are certain developmental issues that can be a red flag. One specific example involves abnormal crawling and walking.
  • Keep records. It is wise to keep careful records if there are concerns that a child may be the victim of a birth injury. Keep a copy of medical bills and any other expenses that are connected to these concerns. This could include referral visits to other professionals to determine the cause of delayed development as well as the cost of lab tests and medications.
  • Think long-term. The Huffington Post published an article that discussed the impact of birth injuries. It shared the story of an adult who was the victim of a birth injury during his birth. His injuries resulted in cerebral palsy, a disorder that continues to pose issues in his adult life. As such, he calls for parents to think long-term when dealing with these issues. Depending on the details of the case, the child may need assistance later in life.

If it turns out that your child was the victim of a birth injury, it is wise to seek legal counsel. Compensation to help cover the costs that result from this injury may be available through a personal injury lawsuit. Your lawyer can review the details of your case and help determine if this course of action is the best choice for your child.