It is every expectant mother’s wish that their baby is born healthy and safe. Most mothers get their wish, but sometimes, the infant suffers an injury during delivery. While many birth injuries are unfortunate but unavoidable, often they are the result of medical malpractice by the obstetrician or other member of the medical team.
Such injuries during delivery are not as rare as you might think. According to a 2021 study from the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, scalp injuries occurred in 26.46 cases per 1,000 U.S. hospital births. Other major birth injuries happened in 4.67 cases per 1,000 births. While the rate of injuries the study categorized as “major birth trauma” dropped from 2006-2014, the overall number of birth injuries went up when including scalp injuries.
Possible side effects of negligent birthing injuries
Preventable birth injuries can have grave consequences for the newborn victim. Depending on the nature and severity of the infant’s trauma, complications can include:
- Brain injury from lack of oxygen
- Seizures
- Fluid in the lungs
- Need for a ventilator
- Sepsis
A baby with severe birth-related trauma due to malpractice could be disabled for life. If so, they could need round-the-clock care and special medical equipment to survive. All because of a negligent doctor, nurse, anesthesiologist or other healthcare provider.
What a medical malpractice lawsuit can do
No parents should have to scramble to afford this level of necessary care for their child. A medical malpractice claim can help ensure that your child’s current and future medical needs will be paid for. It can also help your family feel that justice has been served and expose a negligent doctor or hospital to public scrutiny.