Ask any expecting parent if they are hoping for a boy or a girl, and they will tell you that it doesn’t matter as long as the baby is healthy. For most of them, when the little one arrives, it’s cause for celebration.
But for some, that celebration is tinged with concern because the delivery didn’t go as planned. A life-changing event becomes a tragedy when medical negligence during childbirth leads to lasting harm.
Common types of negligence during delivery
During childbirth, the health of the mother and baby depends on the expertise of the delivery team. However, there are several childbirth injuries associated with medical negligence. Common examples include:
- Failing to monitor fetal distress: The baby’s condition needs continuous monitoring during labor, such as using heart rate monitors to detect signs of fetal distress caused by oxygen deprivation, umbilical cord issues or other problems. Failing to act quickly in such a scenario can result in conditions such as cerebral palsy, brain damage or stillbirth.
- Improper use of delivery tools: The doctor may use forceps and vacuum extractors to assist with a difficult labor. However, if those tools aren’t used correctly, the baby could have severe injuries, including brain bleeding, skull fractures or facial nerve damage.
- Delayed emergency c-section: Some delivery complications require an emergency c-section to ensure the safety of the baby and mother. If the doctor delays performing the surgery, the baby could be deprived of oxygen, resulting in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a specific type of brain injury that can cause intellectual delays, motor impairments or epilepsy.
Unfortunately, the harm to the newborn extends way beyond the delivery room. Many children suffer from chronic conditions and require ongoing medical care throughout their lives. It also takes its toll on the parents as they deal with anger and grief.
Pursuing a medical malpractice suit can’t change the past. However, it is a step toward holding the negligent parties accountable and securing financial support for the child’s care. The parents may feel overwhelmed, but it’s crucial to speak with a legal professional. They can analyze the circumstances of the newborn’s injury, along with the continuing complications. If the court determines medical negligence caused the injury, they can help ensure the parents and child receive fair compensation.