The birth of a child is one of the most special and celebrated moments for parents. However, the news of a child’s injury during childbirth can be devastating, overwhelming, and heartbreaking. Parents may feel a range of emotions, from fear and anger to sadness and guilt.
Fear is a common emotion parents experience when their child is injured during childbirth. It’s completely normal for parents to fear the consequences of their child’s injury, such as long-term health problems, as well as their child’s ability to live a normal life. There may also be a feeling of uncertainty as to why the injury happened to your child and if someone was responsible.
Parents may, unfortunately, be saddled with a sense of guilt when their child is injured during childbirth. They may feel responsible for the injury, even if it was out of their control. This guilt can be compounded by a feeling of helplessness, as there is often little they can do to improve the situation. However, there is help available.
If you or a loved one was injured because of the negligence of a doctor or other medical professional in Annapolis, you may have a right to seek compensation for personal injury. Your personal injury can be determined as physical, financial, or emotional. Common sources of injury available for compensation are medical malpractice, defective drugs, accidents, and defective products.
No matter how parents feel when their child is injured during childbirth, it is important to remember that they are not alone. Annapolis birth injury lawyers at Pinder Plotkin can help identify the reason for the injury, compile a list of possible negligent actions, and help build a case for recovery of damages.
Types of Birth Injury Cases
Childbirth injuries are a serious and often overlooked risk of giving birth in Annapolis. Despite the best efforts of the mother and medical staff, all types of complications can occur during the delivery process. In some cases, these injuries can have long-term implications for the mother and the baby.
- Perineal lacerations. The most common type of childbirth injury is perineal lacerations. Perineal lacerations can range from minor tears that do not require stitches to more severe tears that require surgery. These injuries can cause pain and discomfort for the mother, infection, as well as urinary and bowel incontinence.
- Shoulder dystocia. Another common type of childbirth injury is shoulder dystocia. This occurs when the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck in the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery. Shoulder dystocia is a serious condition that can cause injury to the baby’s shoulder, neck, and head. It can also lead to oxygen deprivation, which can cause trauma and long-term mental damage to the baby.
- Brachial plexus. This occurs when the baby’s shoulder is pulled and stretched during delivery, leading to injury to the nerves in the shoulder and arm. The baby may experience weakness or paralysis of the affected arm and hand.
- Birthing trauma. Birth trauma can also occur during childbirth. This can include bruising, swelling, and lacerations to the baby’s head or body. These injuries can range from minor to severe and can cause long-term complications, including developmental delays, motor skill disorders, and cognitive impairments.
- Fractures. Finally, fractures can be common at birth. Babies can fracture their collarbone, arm, or leg during delivery, usually due to the improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction. The baby may experience pain or swelling in the affected area, and in some cases, surgery may be required to repair the fracture.
It is important to know the common types of childbirth injury accidents and to be aware of the signs and symptoms of each. If you or a loved one have suffered any injury during childbirth, contact an attorney to learn what steps you need to take to determine who the responsible party is and how to obtain a resolution.
How Do I Know if My Child Was Injured During Childbirth?
When it comes to childbirth in Annapolis, there is always a potential for injury to both the mother and the baby. It is also important to be aware of the potential injuries that can occur so that parents can be proactive in working with their medical team to ensure the best outcome for their newborn.
Injury to a newborn during childbirth can range from minor to severe. Minor injuries can include bruising or scratches, while more severe injuries include broken bones, nerve damage, and serious brain injuries. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of injury during childbirth include:
- Excessive crying or difficulty breathing
- Swelling or discoloration of the skin
- Abnormal movement or lack of movement
- Difficulty feeding
- Difficulty latching or nursing
- Unusual sleeping patterns
- Increased fussiness or irritability
- Seizures or convulsions
If you notice any of these signs and symptoms in your child, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In some cases, a medical professional may need to perform tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, to determine the severity of the injury.
In addition to the signs and symptoms mentioned above, it is also important to be aware of any potential complications during delivery. If the baby was born prematurely, for example, there is an increased risk of injury due to their underdeveloped organs and systems.
If the baby was born via a difficult delivery, such as a cesarean section or forceps delivery, there is also an increased risk for injury due to the immense force and pressure involved.
Contact the Annapolis Birth Injury Lawyers at Pinder Plotkin
It is important to first consult with your medical team if you have any concerns or questions regarding the health of your child. They can provide you with the information you need to make informed decisions about the best course of action.
If you and your child have been the victim of a preventable birth defect or injury, you need to know all your options. Contact the Annapolis Birth Injury Lawyers at Pinder Plotkin to schedule your free consultation to learn how our Annapolis birth injury lawyers can help ensure that you receive the fair and full compensation that you deserve for you and your baby.