Common Birth Complications Caused by Medical Malpractice

Posted on March 07, 2016 by Shapiro Law Group

Ask any expecting mother what her worst nightmare is and she would likely rank birth complications at the very top of the list. Birth complications are sometimes caused by the institutions we depend on the most – hospitals and doctors. When birth complications are caused by medical malpractice, it is especially tragic, because children and families have their lives destroyed by preventable mistakes. These mistakes can cause severe neurological conditions like cerebral palsy, or failing to disclose birth defects to parents. In some cases, doctors can cause injuries to nerves, resulting in brachial plexus palsy.

Cerebral palsy: A lack of oxygen or blunt force trauma to the head can cause cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that results in permanent disability. Cerebral palsy can cause cognitive deficits, difficulty controlling movements and trouble speaking. Doctors can cause this condition if they fail to use cesarean sections under certain circumstances, or if they improperly use vacuum or forceps instruments.

Wrongful birth: Doctors can fail to detect birth defects before delivery. Let’s say for example a baby has a condition like microcephaly (the condition linked with Zika virus) and hospital staff fails to inform the parents. If a mother gave birth to a baby with microcephaly and could have terminated the pregnancy, legal options against the hospital for wrongful birth might be a possibility.

Brachial plexus palsy: Brachial plexus palsy can occur if doctors damage nerve bundles located near the shoulder. This health condition can make arm movement problematic. Much like cerebral palsy, brachial plexus palsy can be caused by improper use of forceps or vacuum equipment.

Birth Complications Caused by Medical Malpractice Are Unacceptable

Parents should have the expectation that doctors and other health care professionals know what they are doing during the delivery process. It is inexcusable when babies go through life with significant disabilities due to preventable mistakes. When birth complications are caused by medical malpractice, parents should reach out to an attorney and explore possible legal options for holding negligent hospitals and doctors accountable.

For future and more in-depth information on these health conditions, continue following our medical malpractice blog.

Tags: Pregnancy

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