Medical malpractice is always a serious concern. For many parents, seeing their child experience a birth injury is one of the most difficult things in the world. When you know that the happy and healthy life of your child may be in jeopardy, you are right to pursue a medical malpractice case.

How Do Birth Injuries Happen?

Birth injuries happen in many ways, and they are often linked to medical malpractice. A doctor may use too much force in aiding the baby's journey into the world, leading to permanent nerve damage. Some babies may experience low oxygen levels that the doctor fails to address, which can lead to brain and nerve damage that can last a lifetime. Some doctors may use too much force pulling the baby out, which means they can experience paralysis in the arms and shoulders.

What Are the Most Common Birth Injuries?

Some birth injuries are more common than others. They include hypoxia, cerebral palsy, and Erb's palsy. Babies may experience hydrocephalus, brachial plexus, and asphyxia. The mothers can also experience injuries, including the effects of preeclampsia and delayed C-section.

Why Are Doctors Responsible for Birth Injuries?

Birth injuries are not genetic health issues. They are actually caused by a healthcare provider who is negligent in their actions. The doctor may have missed the signs that a C-section was necessary and failed to schedule one in the appropriate amount of time. The doctor might also pull the newborn out of the birth canal improperly or administer the wrong dose of medication for the mother during the labor and delivery process. In some cases, the doctor simply fails to monitor the baby properly.

What Is the Long-Term Impact of a Birth Injury?

Birth injuries can have lasting implications for a child or the child's mother. Injuries may worsen over time, and sometimes they are not noticed until later in life. The child may one day demonstrate musculoskeletal problems and neurological issues with time. Children may also experience problems psychologically, emotionally, and cognitively. For these reasons, you might consider pursuing a lawsuit against the doctor who was negligent toward your condition.

Are you interested in pursuing a medical malpractice case on the basis of a birth injury? You may have a strong case. It is smart to speak with a medical malpractice attorney ahead of time to determine what kind of compensation you or your child may be entitled to.

To learn more about medical malpractice law, reach out to companies like Shaevitz Shaevitz & Kotzamanis.