The birth of a child is a joyful event looked forward to with delight and anxious anticipation for months, sometimes years, beforehand. Many nights are spent reading pregnancy and parenting books, nurseries are meticulously painted and decorated, and pediatricians are carefully found. When an injury or other complication mars a moment and a life you have looked forward to for so long, it is deeply upsetting. When that complication or injury could have been prevented, it is tragic.
The CDC reports that 1 out of 323 children in the U.S. is afflicted with cerebral palsy, which makes it the most common cause of childhood motor disability in the nation. The disorder permanently affects the child’s ability to control his muscles and body movements. A child with the disorder will often have trouble with everyday tasks such as eating, writing, buttoning his shirt, and tying his shoes. It may cause him to walk unevenly, drool, have difficulty swallowing, and/or shake.
In at least 5 to 10 percent of cases, this debilitating and incurable disorder could have been prevented. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 5-10% of children who have cerebral palsy developed it due to a lack of oxygen during delivery or other potentially avoidable birth injury.
In Maryland, doctors may be held liable for a negligent delivery that results in an injury or disorder such as cerebral palsy. Negligent behaviors may include:
Failure to quickly perform an emergency C-section;
Excessive or improper use of vacuum extraction;
Improper use of forceps;
Failure to detect an umbilical cord wrapped around the infant’s neck; and/or
Failure to detect and act on signs of fetal distress.
If you have a child who suffers from cerebral palsy or other birth injury caused by complications at birth, you may be able to hold the delivering doctor or other medical professional accountable.
To learn more about cerebral palsy and other birth injuries, request a free copy of the new book A Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy today by visiting www.happybabyguide.com. The information in this book is invaluable.
Birth injury cases are extremely complicated and they require an extensive knowledge of the law. If you feel that you or your child may be a victim of malpractice, contact us today. We’re here to help.
