Medical Errors that Can Lead to Cerebral Palsy in Babies

When an expectant mother arrives at the hospital, prepared to give birth, nothing is more critical than knowing that the staff is highly trained and able to apply the correct standard of care during delivery. Astute diligence is crucial because any mistake can cause devastating harm to both the baby and the mother. The most common type of injury during birth is a head injury, and while this can be strictly physical damage like fractures or hematomas, life-long brain damage is also a possibility.

If a baby does not get sufficient oxygen during the birthing process, it can suffer a type of brain damage known as cerebral palsy. The severity of the condition can be mild, or it can be considerable. A child who suffers a cerebral palsy birth injury will have to deal with its effect for life, and there is no cure. 

If medical negligence is why your child suffered brain damage during labor and delivery, then medical malpractice may have taken place. The Philadelphia birth injury lawyers at Edelstein, Martin, and Nelson can help you with your medical malpractice claim.

Medical Negligence and Brain Injuries at Birth

During the course of a pregnancy, birth defects and other forms of serious harm are a common possibility. When improper actions by a medical provider or a medical system lead to a baby’s harm, whether it be while they are still in the womb or during labor and delivery, then there must be accountability. Medical providers and hospitals are expected to meet a certain standard of care for their patients, and when actions fall below the acceptable threshold, it is possible to take legal action.Some of the errors that may be made by a medical provider and that could lead to a baby sustaining a cerebral palsy diagnosis at birth include:

• Not keeping track of the baby’s heart rate.
• Mistakes with the tools used to help deliver the baby.
• Failure to identify umbilical cord prolapse.
• Not applying rapid and quick treatment when an emergency situation arises.
• Failure to pay attention to issues that may show fetal distress.
• Failure to diagnose various conditions that may pose a threat to the health and safety of the baby.

Having a baby and starting a family is typically one of the most joyous and poignant times in a person's life. When the baby is unjustly harmed by medical mistakes, the devastation can be overwhelming. Filing a medical malpractice lawsuit could be appropriate, and due to the challenging nature of these legal actions, working with an attorney who understands how to investigate medical malpractice is critical.

Speak with an Attorney at Edelstein, Martin, and Nelson Today

There is no amount of money that can make up for permanent harm done to your child, but full compensation can help you pay for the care they may need for the rest of their life. To best protect your interests and fight for the most compensation possible from a medical malpractice claim in Pennsylvania, call Edelstein, Martin, and Nelson today and schedule a free consultation at (215) 731-9900.