There is nothing quite as natural as giving birth. Yet even though more than 4 million babies are born each year in the United States, the process of giving birth can be extremely dangerous for both the mother and the child. When complications arise, the care given to the baby and the mother during this time can mean the difference between life and death, or the need to care for a profoundly injured child over his or her lifetime..
When a laboring mother is not monitored properly, doctors and nurses can miss critical signs of distress. As such, a baby can be deprived of oxygen for periods of time, causing significant brain damage. In addition, poor delivery skills, failure to do timely C-sections, and dangerous levels of medications can also cause the baby to lose oxygen and suffer brain damage.
Cerebral palsy is a chronic disability that is caused by lack of oxygen to the brain or excessive brain bleeding in-utero or during the labor and delivery process. Premature babies are more vulnerable to these types of brain bleeds and thus to cerebral palsy, but any child that is denied oxygen in utero can suffer irreparable brain damage and cerebral palsy. The medical standard of care requires obstetricians and labor and delivery nurses to look for signs of oxygen deprivation and to take reasonable steps to prevent fetal injury.
Effects of Brain Damage
The effects of brain damage depend largely on how long the baby was deprived of oxygen and what areas of the brain are affected. The extent of the damage may be seen after birth, or sometimes not for months or even years. For some children, their brain damage may have resulted in a lower I.Q., learning disabilities, and trouble with language or speech. Others may not be able to walk, talk, or control their bodily functions. They may require the use of a wheelchair for the remainder of their lives and even be bed-ridden as a result.
Cerebral palsy is similar in that some children can experience mild effects, while other children have more severe muscle tightness, seizures, and respiratory issues. It is estimated that more than 10,000 babies each year are diagnosed with cerebral palsy, many from oxygen deprivation during labor and delivery that was not managed properly.
Philadelphia Birth Injury Lawyers
If you believe your child's brain injury or cerebral palsy was caused by medical negligence, please contact the Philadelphia birth injury attorneys at Golomb Legal for your free case evaluation. We welcome clients from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and across the United States
Our experienced medical malpractice lawyers have successfully represented families across the United States whose children have been injured through the negligence of a doctor or medical professional. To schedule a free consultation call the Philadelphia birth injury lawyers at Golomb Legal today at 1-800-355-3300 or 1-215-985-9177 or fill out our confidential Contact Form.