Birth injuries can happen in several ways, but all have one thing in common: They can cause lifelong damage to the baby. To prevent birth injuries from happening, you should know how they happen and steps to take if they ensue.
Causes of birth injuries
- Difficult delivery: If the baby gets stuck in the birth canal, it can cause bruising and other damage to the baby. In some cases, the doctor may need to use forceps or a vacuum extractor to get the baby out. These tools can cause bruises, cuts and even fractures.
- Large baby head: When the baby’s head is too large for the mother’s pelvis, complications such as shoulder dystocia can occur. The mother can also sustain injuries.
- Diabetes or high blood pressure: Conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can affect the growing fetus. Sometimes, it can even result in stillbirth. Make sure you visit a doctor frequently to prevent these conditions from causing injuries to the baby.
Can you file for a birth injury malpractice claim?
If you or your baby sustained injuries as a result of the birth and you believe it occurred due to your doctor’s negligence, you can file a malpractice claim. To have a successful case, you must be able to prove three things:
- There was an injury.
- The injury was caused by negligence on behalf of the medical staff.
- Due to the injury, you suffered damages.
Damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. In order to win a medical malpractice case, your attorney will need to provide clear evidence that supports these claims against the doctor or medical facility where you gave birth.