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A birth injury may require a legal action for long-term treatment

On Behalf of | Mar 30, 2020 | Medical Malpractice

A newborn who suffers an injury during the birthing procedure could require lifelong medical treatment. Health care professionals, however, owe a duty of care to prevent trauma and injuries to the mother and her infant during the delivery procedure. 

Common birth injuries include swelling, bruising or bleeding of the baby’s head. Delivery complications, such as when a fetus cannot move easily through the birthing canal, may cause potentially severe trauma or injury. In some cases, the newborn’s brain may suffer physical damage and affect the child’s long-term growth and development. 

Doctors, nurses and hospital staff generally follow standard medical procedures to ensure a healthy and smooth delivery. When a health care professional makes a mistake and causes a birth injury, however, the child’s parents may require significant financial relief to repair the harm. 

Georgia newborn’s brain damage results in a major malpractice suit 

A botched delivery at a Georgia hospital resulted in a newborn boy suffering from permanent brain damage. A lack of blood flow and the resulting decreased oxygen during the birthing process resulted in severe harm to the child’s brain. The child’s mother filed a malpractice lawsuit against the hospital and the doctor who provided the birthing services. 

As reported by The Augusta Chronicle, her complaint claimed that her son’s brain damage resulted from a negligent hospital staff that failed to recognize fetal distress. The suit settled for $3.55 million and will provide for the child’s long-term care through a special needs trust. 

Birth injuries may result in lifelong care issues 

Whether by mishap or oversight, an obstetrician or hospital team falling below the expected standard of care may incur liability for any harm done to a newborn. In addition to suffering a loss in quality of life, a child who suffers a preventable birth injury may require long-term or lifelong medical treatment and physical therapy. A legal action may provide the financial compensation required to cover the costs of the child’s special care. 

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