Childbirth is one of the most incredible experiences a person can be a part of. However, it is also a risky medical procedure that can cause devastating, lasting effects. Unfortunately, the risk of a poor outcome for either the mother or child is quite high compared to many other types of medical procedures. Birth-related medical malpractice takes place when a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional acts negligently or fails to use reasonable care. Even the smallest mistake during labor, delivery, or after the baby is born can have lifelong effects for both the baby and her or her family. Medical malpractice cases are extremely serious and oftentimes complicated. Due to the sensitive nature of these types of cases, it is recommended that you have a McKinney medical malpractice lawyer by your side that understands what steps need to be taken in order to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. There are several different scenarios that may enable you to file a medical malpractice lawsuit against the doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional responsible, including the following:
- Injury to the mother or child during pregnancy or delivery
- Wrongful birth
- Wrongful pregnancy
It should be noted that each of these claims comes with different rules for who can sue and what damages can be recovered. To learn more about the various requirements for filing a medical malpractice claim, please contact an attorney from Wormington & Bollinger today.
Types of Birth Injuries
Perhaps shockingly, one study on medical malpractice and birth-related injuries found that a lack of oxygen occurred in approximately 60 percent of cases, the baby was too large for the vaginal canal in more than 20 percent of cases, and the umbilical cord became entangled in roughly 14 percent of cases. Furthermore, misdiagnosis is a surprisingly common cause of medical malpractice involving birth injury. A birth injury can happen at any time during labor and delivery, or even immediately following birth. When a newborn child or the mother is injured because of an error, mistake, or the negligence of a doctor, medical malpractice has occurred. Some of the most common birth injuries caused by medical malpractice include the following:
- Oxygen deprivation resulting in brain damage
- Mental retardation
Epilepsy- Autism
- Cerebral Palsy
- Fetal death
- Neonatal infection
- Maternal infections
- Stillborn death
- Bone fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Facial paralysis
EpilepsyIf you or your child has been injured during the birthing process due to the negligence of a doctor or nurse, please contact a medical malpractice attorney from Wormington & Bollinger today.