Birth Injuries in Pennsylvania
There are different types of birth-related injuries that may happen before, during, or after the birth of a child. Both mother and baby may be injured. The injuries may occur from complications during the pregnancy or the delivery process and are usually caused by medical malpractice. There are many medical professionals that are responsible for the welfare of the mother and child including the obstetrician, gynecologist, nurses, midwives, and other medical practitioners.
Injury to the mother can be procedural, such as incorrect stitching or a vaginal tear which can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort to the mother, negligently failing to control excessive maternal blood loss post-delivery, or failure to diagnose conditions that may affect the process, such as mother’s high blood pressure, causing preeclampsia, possibly leading to seizures during the birth.
Injury to the child can be temporary, permanent, and varied in severity, even causing death. Some birth injuries may be unpreventable, such as those caused by genetic or environmental issues. Other injuries may be caused by poor judgment of a medical provider during pregnancy or delivery that results in injury, such as prescribing medication during the pregnancy or using faulty equipment or methods during delivery.
Common Birth Injury Complications and Infant Birth-Related Injuries.
Kernicterus: brain damage caused by failure to diagnose and/or treat jaundice from excess bilirubin in the blood (“hyperbilirubinemia”)
Erb’s palsy: caused by pressure applied to the baby’s head and neck, causing nerve damage to the arm and hand
Cerebral palsy: caused by lack of oxygen to the brain resulting in permanent disability
Brain injury: caused by oxygen deprivation, poor monitoring, neglect in administering drugs during pregnancy or delivery, failing to perform a timely cesarean section, use of excessive force during delivery, dropping an infant, and other trauma to the head affecting the brain
Brachial plexus palsy: a bundle of nerves which communicates from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm, wrist, and hand is torn or over-stretched by a medical professional improperly handling an infant’s shoulder, causing either temporary or permanent damage.
If Your Child Has Suffered a Birth Injury in Pennsylvania, Get the Help You Need – Call Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP Today
Parents of a child with permanent birth-related injuries face a multitude of challenges over time, including medical expenses, care taking costs, lost wages, and tremendous emotional and psychological stress and suffering. If a child suffers a birth injury, the parents may be entitled to file a lawsuit as guardians for the infant. Charges of medical malpractice are serious charges and difficult to prove. Therefore, getting assistance from an experienced birth injury attorney as soon as possible is crucial.
Experienced Philadelphia Birth Injury Lawyers
If your child has suffered a birth injury in Pennsylvania, speak with a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer who will evaluate your case, assess the viability of your claim, explain what you can expect during a birth injury lawsuit in Pennsylvania, and take action on your behalf. Experienced lawyers at the law firm of Edelstein Martin & Nelson, LLP will ensure that your legal rights are fully protected. The best interest of our clients is our top priority. Call our office today to discuss the details of your case at (215) 731-9900 (toll free: 800-300-0909) or contact us online. We offer free consultations.