A preventable medical mistake that causes a birth injury in a newborn can turn a family’s world upside down. New parents are immediately saddled with unexpected complications and concerns about providing for their baby’s daily care and future medical needs.
If you suspect your baby’s birth injury was the result of a medical mistake, read the following information and seek counsel from an experienced Louisville birth injury attorney. It is vital to know and understand your legal rights to compensation under Kentucky medical malpractice law.
Top Medical Mistakes That Cause Birth Injuries
Birth injuries occur as a result of physical pressure during the birthing process. Some newborns experience minor injuries during the birthing process.
However, the following are medical mistakes that cause birth injuries in newborns:
- Failure to notice fetal distress during labor. When fetal distress is not identified during labor, a baby may suffer from a lack of oxygen. This can cause lifelong impairment such as Cerebral Palsy;
- Delayed labor or non-productive labor. A prolonged delivery can endanger both the baby and the mother. A doctor may need to use labor-inducing drugs or perform a cesarean section;
- The improper use of forceps or instruments. Physicians who use forceps during delivery can place too much pressure on the baby’s skull causing bruising, nerve damage, or even permanent brain damage. Our Louisville vacuum extractor injury attorneys know that these tools can cause brain damage when too much pressure is applied; and
- Using abnormal force or aggression during delivery. Doctors who pull or twist too forcefully when a baby is stuck in the birth canal can permanently damage a baby’s nerves or cause a child lifelong paralysis (Erb’s palsy).
Mothers may also be the victims of medical mistakes during birth. When a physician fails to do the following, they risk both a mother’s health and her baby’s well-being:
- Fails to recognize signs of uterine rupture;
- Fails to intervene and recognize signs of maternal distress; or
- Fails or delays to perform a necessary c-section leading to maternal harm.
No one should suffer a medical mistake during the birth of their child. When preventable birth injuries occur, victims of medical mistakes should be ensured of any necessary medical care and injury-related support.
Compensation for Birth Injuries in Kentucky
Victims of birth injuries can recover compensation for their physical, mental, emotional, and financial losses in Kentucky. Compensation can include:
- Medical bills;
- Follow-up care;
- Medication;
- Specialized therapy;
- Medical equipment;
- Home and vehicle modifications;
- Lost income;
- Loss of enjoyment of life;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental and emotional trauma; and
- Loss of companionship.
To have your birth injury claim examined by an experienced medical malpractice attorney in Louisville, reach out to Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway, PSC. We have helped Louisville families for more than 30 years.
Contact an Experienced Louisville Birth Injury Attorney Today
Do not wait to speak with an experienced Louisville birth injury attorney at Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway, PSC. Kentucky has strict deadlines to file birth injury claims.
We will review your claim right away and advise you of your legal rights. At Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway, PSC, we stand up for victims of preventable birth injuries and pursue the doctors and medical establishments that put profits over the safety of mothers and newborns.