Birth Defects Caused By Medical Malpractice

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Medical Malpractice

The majority of children are born healthy, but three to four percent of babies will be born with a birth defect. A birth defect is a physiological or physical health concern that is apparent when a child is born. A genetic defect is more likely if it runs in the family, but birth defects can also be caused by the negligence or mistake of a doctor, nurse, or hospital.

There are over 4,000 known birth defects, and although it is not a doctor’s fault for a genetic birth defect, there are tests that can identify some defects early such as, Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome, cystic fibrosis, or muscular dystrophy. How to move forward with a pregnancy can be determined by this genetic testing. Not providing these tests, or providing misinformation, can be considered negligent, and put a mother and baby at risk.

Even during a healthy pregnancy, a birth defect is still possible for a child to develop during delivery. These disorders can be caused during birth and may be caused by the negligence of a doctor or hospital.

Brain Injury - A brain injury during birth can occur one of two ways - lack of oxygen, called birth asphyxia, and physical harm. When a baby loses oxygen during birth, there is little time to remedy the situation to prevent permanent damage. A couple of minutes of oxygen deprivation can lead to serious health problems. Physical harm to a baby’s brain occurs when medical tools are improperly placed or used to assist the birth such as forceps or a vacuum. A doctor performing the delivery may be negligent if an alternative birth option, such as a caesarian section, is not done in time during a difficult delivery.

Brachial Plexus Injury - The Brachial Plexus is a set of nerves that control muscles in the arms, hands, and shoulders. The nerves start at the neck and go across the chest to under the arm. During a difficult delivery, a baby’s shoulders can get stuck in the mother’s pelvic bone if not guided properly by the delivery doctor. This can also happen if the arms the stretched, or pulled unnaturally. Damage to these nerves can cause paralyzation to parts of the upper body of a child.

Contact an Orland Park Medical Malpractice Lawyer

If since welcoming your child into the world, you have been faced with the financial burden of a birth defect, your doctor or hospital may be responsible. Make sure your child is taken care of by contacting an experienced Orland Park medical malpractice attorney to keep negligent medical professionals accountable. Set up a free consultation by calling our office at 708-966-2408.

Sources:

https://genetics.emory.edu/documents/resources/Emory_Human_Genetics_General_Population_Risk_for_Birth_Defects.PDF

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/brachial-plexus-injuries/