DeKalb County Birth Injury Lawyer
The United States Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) estimates that about 74 newborns of every 10,000 are affected by birth injuries in the country every year. Though a rare occurrence, birth injuries can prove extremely distressing to the families besides resulting in serious problems for the infant.
Many birth injuries occur due to mistakes committed by nurse anesthetists, nurses, anesthesiologists, and others. In types of these situations, the hospital might be accountable for medical mistakes made by negligent employees or due to insufficient safeguards and lack of procedures.
A dedicated DeKalb County birth injury lawyer could help ensure your rights are protected. A team of legal and medical professionals with experience in birth injury lawsuits in Georgia will be able to assist in getting the compensation you will need to deal with the long-lasting impact of a birth injury.
Causes of Birth Injuries
Though birth injuries cover a wide variety of injuries and causes, there are common examples. These include:
- Neglecting to offer genetic counseling despite family history or testing indicating the need for this;
- Incorrectly handling the baby during delivery; and
- Failing to perform or delaying a c-section while the life or health of the mother or child is at stake, due to conditions such as placental abruption or placenta previa.
Due to various issues that can cause birth injuries, the lawsuits dealing with these issues are complicated and demanding. Expert witnesses will have to be called in, and it can be challenging to present the testimony of medical experts in a credible manner before the mediator or jury. Yet, these cases are significant primarily because they ensure essential compensation for future medical expenses the child will need. A DeKalb birth injury lawyer can retain the services of reliable expert witnesses, in order to ensure a positive outcome for an individual.
Common Injuries in DeKalb County
As there are common causes of birth injuries, there are also common birth injuries. Many of these injuries result in long-lasting or even lifetime effects that can seriously impact the child’s life.
Facial Paralysis
Mismanagement of forceps at the time of delivery can lead to pressure on the facial nerve, also known as the seventh cranial nerve, leading to permanent facial paralysis.
Cerebral Palsy
Resulting from hypoxia or anoxia, which is deficiency of oxygen to the brain, cerebral palsy can lead to decreased motor and sensory function as well as musculoskeletal problems. Cerebral Palsy can also be caused by certain infections.
Brain Damage
Strangulation by the umbilical cord, extended time in the birth canal, and other issues can lead to brain injury brought on by lack of oxygen. This can result in learning and developmental disabilities a child may have to cope with for the rest of his or her life.
Erb’s Palsy
Shoulder dystocia, brachial plexus injury, and Klumpke’s palsy are the other names by which this is known. It occurs when the shoulders are subject to trauma or stress causing the tearing or stretching or peripheral nerves. It can often result in permanent paralysis of the hands and arms. Such stress or trauma is a result of extreme pressure during delivery. It can also happen if the baby’s body crashes against the pubic bone of the mother.
How a DeKalb County Birth Injury Attorney Can Help
Welcoming a baby into your family should be an exciting time. However, when a birth injury results in permanent damage, you may be left struggling to cope.
Speak to an experienced DeKalb County birth injury lawyer about your rights if the mother or baby was a victim of an accident, negligence, or injury caused by a doctor or health care professional’s negligence. Call today to learn more.
