Birth Injury Support
For families with children suffering from birth injuries, support can be provided in a variety of ways. Wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment can help children reach developmental milestones.
Medical treatment can also help manage the symptoms of birth injuries. But doctors aren't fortune tellers and no baby responds the same to treatment.
Many birth injuries are preventable. Families can get support from a solicitor who specializes in birth injury claims.
Diagnosis
A child may suffer lifelong issues in the event of a birth injury that goes undiagnosed or not treated properly. These issues can result in severe intellectual and physical limitations. They could also be life-threatening when the severity is severe.
Different types of tests are available to identify birth injuries. This includes umbilical blood gas analysis, CT scans, brain MRIs, as well as other neuroimaging test. Doctors can employ tests of reflex and cognitive thinking to determine the cause of specific symptoms.
Parents can aid by observing their children and observing any abnormalities or missed developmental milestones. Additionally they should keep accurate records of all medical treatments as well as diagnoses and consultations. This information could be crucial for any legal proceedings in connection with birth injuries caused by medical negligence.
It's not always easy to recognize the signs of birth injuries. In some instances the condition may not be evident until a baby gets older and develops cognitive or motor skills. The signs of birth injuries could include abnormal movements or facial or neck anomalies seizures, eating disorders and sleep issues.
The prognosis of a baby is determined by the severity of the damage and what part of the body was affected. Mild injuries, such as Erb's palsy or newborn jaundice are able to heal with treatment. Injuries that are severe, such as spinal cord injuries can leave a child permanently impaired and require long-term care.
Depending on the type and degree of the birth injury, a variety of options are available to the child. For example, adaptive equipment such as speech devices or wheelchairs can help a child with mobility issues communicate and get around. Physical therapies and nutrition plans can aid children who have difficulty eating, swallowing, or has issues with motor skills.
Many birth injuries can be prevented. Certain birth injuries are inevitable. If a medical mistake during the birth caused your child's condition you may be eligible for financial compensation. To find out more about your legal options, contact an experienced birth injury lawyer. You can speak with an attorney at no cost. Call today to set up your free consultation.
Treatment
The injuries that occur during childbirth can vary in severity and may cause symptoms that last for a time. The sooner an injury related to birth is identified and treated the better.
Doctors can perform a variety of tests to identify a birth trauma. One of the most important is the Apgar test, which evaluates the tone of the skin, heart rate, breathing, and muscle reflexes. If the Apgar score is high, the baby is healthy.
A blood gas analysis is a diagnostic tool that measures oxygen and carbon dioxide in umbilical cordblood. This test can reveal HIE, a type of brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen during labor and birth. Doctors also conduct MRI and CT scans to check for brain injuries. These include skull fractures and hemorrhages.
For severe injuries, surgery is necessary. For instance, if muscles' nerves are damaged, it can lead to cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy (paralysis of the brachial nerves of the arm) or Klumpke's Palsy (paralysis of one of the upper shoulder joints). These conditions are generally permanent and can be life-threatening. Sometimes, the phrenic nerve that controls diaphragm the wall that divides organs in the chest and abdomen is damaged during birth. This can cause paralysis on one side of the chest, making it difficult to breathe. In these instances surgeons can repair the damage with a surgical procedure called burr hole surgery.
Physical therapy can help children with mobility problems. Occupational and speech therapy can aid children who have trouble with their daily activities, like eating, drinking, and speaking. Certain birth injuries can be treated with medications. Painkillers, for instance, can be helpful for children suffering from Erb's palsy or cerebral palsy. Muscle relaxants and antispastic medication can be helpful for children with tight muscles. Certain children may need to take anti-seizure medicine particularly if brain damage has caused a seizure disorder.
The costs associated with raising a child with a disability can be tremendous. Families should be aware of the various sources of financial aid that are available that include private and public insurance, daycare and educational programs.
Prognosis
The prognosis for birth injuries varies depending on the type of injury and how severe it is. In some instances the damage is permanent and requires continuous care. The symptoms can also get worse or improve as time passes. Injuries can result from numerous factors during pregnancy and birth and include problems with the fetus's development or placental problems as well as excess amniotic fluid and maternal infections.
The most commonly reported birth injury is Erb's paralysis which affects the nerves in the arms and hands that control the movement. The majority of children suffering from this condition recover completely, but some may require surgery or occupational or physical therapy. Other injuries, like clavicular fractures, or hypoxic-ischemic brain disease, can also have a long-term impact on the development of a child.
PVL is another kind of birth injury. This occurs when excessive twisting or pulling causes pressure on the white matter of the brain during a difficult birth. This can result in brain damage and is a serious birth injury.
Other conditions that could affect the growth of a newborn include infant torticollis (which causes the head or neck to be twisted to one side) meconium aspiration which occurs when the baby swallows meconium in utero instead of passing it through the birth tube and skull fractures.
Medical negligence is the leading cause of birth traumas that are serious and long-lasting. While some birth injuries can be attributed to unpredictable complications during childbirth, it's also a common cause. If you believe that your child's birth injury was due to negligence, it is essential to speak with a skilled lawyer for advice.
Accident Injury Lawyers is an online resource for everything connected to childbirth, pregnancy birth injuries and disabilities in childhood. We aim to provide up-to-date and accurate information, as well as assistance for those who need it. Contact us today to get started. For more information take a look at the comprehensive collection of resources available at MASIC, which has plenty of details on how to deal with a child with cerebral palsy or other birth injuries. Click here to access MASIC's advice for parents and carers.
Support
If medical mistakes occur during childbirth the joy of embracing an infant can be ruined. From minor injuries such as cuts and bruises, to more serious conditions such as brain damage, a traumatizing birth can leave children with permanent disabilities.
Medical professionals are trained to recognize the risk of complications during childbirth and taking prompt action to prevent serious harm. However, some healthcare professionals fail to adhere to this standard of care, causing preventable birth injuries during childbirth. These mistakes in medical malpractice can result in devastating consequences for the life of a child and their family.
It is essential that parents who have a child with a life-changing birth trauma get the support they require to cope emotionally and physically. This may include therapy, counseling, and other treatments. Families must also find financial aid to meet the needs of their disabled child. This can be difficult when insurance companies deny disability claims or do not provide adequate coverage. The civil legal system could provide an avenue to obtain the financial assistance families require.
A successful claim for birth injuries can reimburse a child's parents or guardians for all or the majority of their expenses related to disability. This can include medical treatments, therapies, other support services, and mobility devices such as wheelchairs. It can also pay for the daycare or caregiver for a child with disabilities, or assistive technology that helps them communicate and take part in everyday activities.
While no amount can fully compensate a child for injuries they've suffered but obtaining this financial aid can help them get the assistance and support they need to live a full and happy life. Families considering making claims for a birth injury should consult with a knowledgeable birth trauma lawyer to know more about the legal options that are available to them.
A lawyer will determine if the hospital or birthing center where your child was injured is responsible for the negligence that led to your child's medical condition. The lawyers at Paul & Perkins are ready to look over your case and help you understand your legal options in seeking justice. Contact us today to get started.