Communication Errors Are a Leading Cause of Medical Malpractice

Communication Errors Are a Leading Cause of Medical Malpractice

Recently, a birth injury lawsuit was filed against doctors and other health care staff involved in the delivery of a now two year old girl. The medical malpractice case alleged that several errors occurred, leading to the child being born in an extremely compromised state requiring vigorous resuscitation. The child now suffers from cerebral palsy, along with other birth complications.

Cerberal palsy is a type of birth injury that is caused by trauma to the brain.Symptoms of cerebral palsy can include loss of movement or other functions related to the nervous system. It affects brain development and can cause abnormal hearing and eyesight as well as cognitive difficulties such as the ability to think and learn. It may also manifest as uncontrolled movement of the limbs, troubles in being able to walk, abnormal posture and trouble with balance and coordination. These warning signs commonly appear by the time the child is 2 years old but may show up earlier.

According to the complaint, the five doctors and six nurses involved in caring for the mother and child failed to communicate effectively with each other. Communication failures are one of the leading causes of preventable medical errors.

In this instance the lawsuit asserts that communication breakdowns occurred between the mother and the healthcare providers, with the doctors not responding appropriately to the mother and child's needs, and with the doctors and nurses not communicating with each other clearly.

As the result, of these errors, the child suffered oxygen deprivation to the brain. Oxygen deprivation can occur as the result of umbilical cord complications, birth trauma, labor and delivery problems or delayed C-sections.

The parents of the child are seeking damages to cover the costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation that may last a lifetime. Often, individuals who suffer from cerebral palsy require speeches therapy, occupational therapy and other specialized services that while cannot cure the condition, can help to improve their quality of life.

For more information concerning cerebral palsy, or if you believe that your child may have suffered a birth injury as the result of medical malpractice, please contact the top California birth injury attorneys at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP for an immediate consultation.

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