Complications during the labor and delivery process may lead to birth injuries that can affect a newborn for his or her life time. While in many situations an injury may occur due to no one’s fault, other times actions taken (or not taken) may lead to lifelong disabilities.
The most common birth injuries include:
· Brain damage
· Cerebral palsy
· Brachial plexus injuries
· Facial paralysis
· Erb’s palsy
In many situations, birth injuries may be have been preventable had the proper precautions been taken and/or swift and prompt actions taken at the time of birth.
Some examples of errors may include:
- Failing to promptly order and perform a C-section when the mother and/or infant shows signs of distress;
- Improper use of a vacuum or forceps during delivery; and
- Administering pitocin in too high of a dosage or when it is unnecessary
In these situations, when a doctor, nurse or other health care professional fails to act with due care and causes harm, it may be possible to file a claim for medical malpractice based on the negligent care.
For more information or if you believe that your child may have suffered a birth injury due to the reckless or negligent care of a health professional, please contact the experienced and compassionate California birth injury lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP for an immediate consultation.