The labor and delivery process can be physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing for both mother and child. As the mother experiences a whirlwind of adrenaline, anxiety, and pain, it’s normal for her to automatically defer to her doctors during the delivery stage. But what happens when a doctor makes a mistake? And how can a mother tell if her child has sustained a debilitating and life-altering birth injury?
All medical professionals, including obstetrical care providers, have a responsibility to provide a reasonable level of care to expectant mothers and their unborn children. This includes monitoring a developing baby’s health, anticipating potential birth problems, and intervening when necessary during the delivery process.
Birth injuries are commonly linked to:
The best way to check for birth injuries is to pay attention to your child’s health, mobility, behaviors, and developmental milestones. Early detection is crucial, as some birth injuries can develop into lifelong disabilities that could impact your child’s quality of life. You need to seek medical attention immediately if you believe that your child has suffered a birth injury.
There are several deadly and debilitating birth injuries associated with medical malpractice, including:
In a best-case scenario, proper and timely treatment can help your baby make a partial or complete recovery. For example, if your baby has a brain injury, the doctor can use a CT scan, EEG, or MRI to determine the severity of the damage and plan an ongoing treatment program.
However, medical care can be expensive, and you may need to take your child to a horde of pediatric specialists, brain injury specialists, and infant occupational therapists. As the child grows, they may require assistive education resources or placement in specialized institutions, especially if you and your partner both need to work. For this reason, it’s vital that you contact a qualified birth injury attorney once your child has been diagnosed by a medical professional.
Depending on your unique circumstances, you may be able to hold the following parties liable for your child’s injuries:
To secure a favorable case outcome, your legal team needs to evidence three key facts: the defendant was responsible for your infant’s care; the defendant violated that duty of care by harming your baby; the defendant’s negligent actions and/or choices are directly responsible for your child’s current condition.
If your lawsuit is successful, you may be able to recover the following damages:
Contact The Pittman Firm, P.A. if you’re ready to file a claim or have questions about birth injury cases. Our trial-tested legal team can investigate your case, identify the liable parties, and consult with medical experts to develop a litigation strategy that holds the negligent parties accountable for your child’s condition.
Contact The Pittman Firm, P.A.at (850) 764-0383 to arrange a free consultation today.