Since 1983, the world-famous Fieger Law has been fighting for the rights of babies injured by negligent doctors and nurses. We have secured some of the nation’s largest verdicts, including one of the largest birth trauma verdicts in U.S. history. Altogether, we have secured hundreds of millions for families who needed justice and medical support for their children.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Fieger Law can get you the answers you need while fighting for your family’s right to provide for your child without strain or uncertainty.
THE COMMON CAUSES OF BRAIN DAMAGE DURING BIRTH
- Twisted or knotted umbilical cords
- Large babies or small birth canals
- Obstructed airways
- Placental abruption
With any of the above present, the risk of brain damage is higher and healthcare providers need to be ready to act quickly to prevent loss of oxygen and brain damage to the baby.
If you see any of the following symptoms in the months following taking your baby home, it may mean a doctor failed to act in time to prevent your baby from suffering brain damage during birth:
- Difficulty crawling or walking
- Missed developmental milestones
- Difficulty eating unassisted
- Inability to lift head while lying on stomach
- Seizures
LONG-TERM IMPACT OF BRAIN INJURIES
Brain injuries sustained during birth can result in a spectrum of long-term developmental challenges for the child’s growth and health. These impacts may include:
- Developmental Delays: Brain injuries can impede a child’s progress in reaching developmental milestones such as sitting up, crawling, walking, and speech. These delays may persist into childhood and beyond, necessitating interventions and therapies.
- Cognitive Impairments: Damage to the brain can make it harder for a child to learn, remember things, and solve problems. This can affect how they perform in school, remember information, and handle tasks that require planning.
- Physical Limitations: Some brain injuries can cause problems with movement, like trouble walking or using their hands.
- Behavioral and Emotional Challenges: Brain injuries can influence a child’s emotional regulation, behavior, and social interactions. They may experience difficulties controlling impulses, managing emotions, and forming relationships, which can affect their overall well-being and social integration.
- Educational Needs: Children with brain injuries may need special help in school, like extra time on tests or different ways of learning. This may involve individualized education plans (IEPs), access to special education services, and accommodations to optimize their academic success and educational experience.
- Long-Term Care Requirements: The complex nature of brain injuries can require lifelong care and support for the affected child. This includes access to medical specialists, therapists, and support services to address their evolving needs and enhance their quality of life.
Considering these multifaceted and long-lasting challenges, families of children with birth trauma-related brain injuries require ongoing resources, advocacy, and support.
HOW NEGLIGENCE LEADS TO BRAIN DAMAGE
While many causes of brain damage during birth can occur naturally, healthcare providers are trained to promptly identify and address potential risks to the child and mother. Failure to adhere to established protocols or to respond effectively in emergencies can result in devastating consequences for the infant and their family.
LEGAL CRITERIA FOR NEGLIGENCE
Proving medical negligence in the context of birth injuries requires showing the failure of your healthcare providers to meet established standards of care. These standards encompass the protocols and practices expected of medical professionals in ensuring the safety and well-being of both the mother and child before and during labor and delivery. Deviating from these standards, whether through improper monitoring, delayed intervention, or inadequate response to emergencies, can be grounds for legal action.
STEPS TO TAKE IF YOU SUSPECT NEGLIGENCE
- Gather Medical Records: Assemble all pertinent medical records related to the birth and any subsequent treatments or evaluations.
- Seek Expert Opinions: Get a second opinion from a medical expert specializing in birth injuries to assess the circumstances surrounding your child’s condition and the potential role of medical negligence.
- Consult with a Lawyer: Contact an attorney experienced in birth injury cases. They can offer legal guidance, evaluate the merits of your case, and advocate on your behalf to pursue the justice and compensation your family deserves.
For over 70 years, Fieger Law has been winning cases against hospitals and doctors who didn’t do their job—and allowed babies to pay the price for their negligence. Contact our team for a free consultation if your child has suffered a birth injury—or even if you suspect they have.
