The birth of a baby is supposed to be a joyous time in every parent’s life. But when something goes wrong during labor or delivery, that joy can quickly become fear of not knowing what is wrong with your baby and what kind of future they will have. The majority of birth injuries are almost always preventable medical errors by doctors, nurses, or other medical professionals. If your child has suffered a birth injury, contact a birth injury lawyer in Houston, TX to find out what legal recourse you may have.
The following are the most common medical conditions caused by birth injuries.
Cerebral Palsy (CP)
Cerebral palsy is usually a result of oxygen deprivation during the birthing process. There are cases where the issue occurs because of unknown reasons, however, in the majority of cases, the lack of oxygen to the infant is due to a medical error either during the mother’s prenatal care or during labor and delivery.
According to national statistics, approximately two out of every 1,000 births result in cerebral palsy. The condition is not always recognized right away but is usually diagnosed during early childhood, often because the baby is not developing at the same pace as other children their age. While symptoms may appear shortly after birth, the diagnosis often doesn’t occur for a couple of years.
Brachial Plexus Injury
This condition is usually connected to shoulder dystocia, which occurs when the baby’s shoulder is blocked by the mother’s pelvic bone as he or she passes through the birth canal. This can cause the nerves which are connected to the baby’s arm and hand to become stretched. This damage can result in the baby being unable to rotate or flex the arm. If there is tearing of the nerve, this can mean permanent damage.
Hypoxic Brain Injury
If the baby is not getting enough oxygen during labor, there can be a severe injury. When there is prolonged deprivation of oxygen, the baby can suffer neurological disorders and brain damage. A Houston, TX birth lawyer has successfully represented a number of families who have faced this devastating situation.
Facial Paralysis
Sometimes, during a difficult delivery, the doctor will use forceps to help guide the baby out of the birth canal. However, if the doctor does not use the forceps properly, this can cause pressure on the baby’s seventh cranial nerve – which is a facial nerve – and this can cause permanent paralysis.
Call Our Office for Legal Assistance
It can be devastating to discover that your child has suffered a birth injury that can affect them for the rest of their lives. Contact John K. Zaid & Associates to schedule a free and confidential consultation with an experienced Houston, TX birth lawyer. We will fight to get you and your family the financial justice you deserve. Call our office today.
