Birth Injury Lawyer Indianapolis

If a loved one has suffered from a birth injury, call the birth injury attorneys at Goodin Abernathy for a free consultation.

What conditions may cause birth injury?

Babies may suffer birth injuries because they are larger than average or are positioned breech –(with their bottom presenting first instead of the head and shoulders). Sometimes a difficult or prolonged labor can cause a birth injury. Premature babies are more likely to suffer injury during birth because their bodies are more fragile than babies born full-term. Cephalopelvic disproportion may cause birth injury. This occurs when a mother’s pelvis is not an adequate size and/or shape for the baby. A mechanical force such as compression or traction may cause birth trauma or injury, as well.

Common Types Of Birth Injury Cases

A birth injury can be a traumatic and life-changing experience for both the child and their family. It can be caused by various factors, including medical negligence or malpractice, improper use of medical equipment, failure to monitor the mother and child’s vital signs during birth, and difficult delivery. Birth injuries can range from minor bruises or cuts to more serious injuries that can lead to permanent disability or even death. As a parent, it is important to be aware of the common types of birth injuries that can occur and seek legal assistance from experienced birth injury lawyers in Indianapolis if your child has suffered an injury during birth.

What is a birth injury and how does it differ from a birth defect?

A birth injury is a physical injury that happens to a baby during the birthing process or shortly after birth. Unlike birth defects, which are present at birth, birth injuries are caused by some external factors, such as medical negligence, malpractice, or improper use of medical equipment.

Birth injuries can range from minor bruises or cuts to more severe injuries that can result in long-term disabilities or even death. Common types of birth injuries include cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injury, shoulder dystocia, bone fractures, brain damage, spinal cord injuries, and oxygen deprivation. These injuries can significantly impact a child’s life, requiring extensive medical care and causing financial burdens for the family.

What are common causes of birth injuries?

Birth injuries can be caused by various factors, including medical negligence or malpractice, improper use of medical equipment, failure to monitor the mother and child’s vital signs during birth, and difficult delivery. Some common causes of birth injuries include:

• Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery
• Failure to detect or respond to signs of fetal distress
• Failure to order a timely C-section
• Failure to properly monitor the mother and child’s vital signs during birth
• Administering the wrong dosage or type of medication to the mother
• Failure to diagnose or treat medical conditions in the mother or the child

These factors can lead to serious birth injuries such as cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, shoulder dystocia, bone fractures, brain damage, spinal cord injuries, and oxygen deprivation. Birth injuries can have a significant impact on the child’s life, resulting in physical and mental disabilities, long-term medical care, and financial burdens for the family.

Common birth injuries affecting mothers

While birth injuries are often associated with newborns, it’s important to note that mothers can also suffer injuries during childbirth. Some common birth injuries affecting mothers include:

• Perineal tears or lacerations
• Uterine rupture or prolapse
• Pelvic floor injuries
• Incontinence or other bladder or bowel problems
• Postpartum hemorrhage
• Infections or sepsis

These injuries can result from medical malpractice or negligence, such as the failure to properly monitor the mother’s vital signs during birth or the improper use of medical equipment.

When do birth injury symptoms appear?

The symptoms of birth injuries can vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. In some cases, the symptoms may be immediately apparent, while in others, they may not appear for several weeks or months after birth.

Some common signs of birth injuries in newborns include:

• Excessive crying or fussiness
• Difficulty feeding or swallowing
• Breathing difficulties or irregularities
• Weakness or limpness in the arms or legs
• Abnormal muscle tone or movement
• Seizures or other neurological issues

Mothers who have suffered birth injuries may experience symptoms such as pain, bleeding, or other complications.

Treatments

Treatment for your baby’s birth injury depends upon the type of injury sustained. Birth injuries such as bruising and minor lacerations will heal quickly and without prolonged medical treatments. A birth injury such as brachial palsy may need treatment that is more intensive. More than half of all babies born with brachial palsy do not need surgery. However, in some cases, the baby’s arm needs surgery to repair damaged nerves. Fractures such as a broken collarbone may require treatment as well, including bandaging or splinting to keep the infant’s shoulder and arm from painful movement. Cerebral palsy cases will differ depending on the type and timing of the injury.

How can parents help protect their unborn babies from birth injuries?

Expecting parents can help reduce the risks of birth injuries by choosing qualified doctors and medical care facilities. Expectant mothers must take care of themselves throughout the pregnancy as well. If something feels wrong during your pregnancy, speak up and tell your doctor. At the hospital during delivery, be proactive. Ask questions, know what medications are being given and be an advocate for your baby at all times.

How are damages calculated in birth injury cases?

Damages in birth injury cases can be calculated based on various factors, such as the severity and extent of the injuries, the child’s long-term medical needs, and the financial impact on the family. Some common types of damages that may be awarded in birth injury cases include:

• Medical expenses: This includes the cost of medical care, hospitalization, surgeries, therapy, and other treatments required for the child’s injuries.
• Lost income: If the child’s injuries require ongoing care, the parents may need to take time off from work to care for their child, resulting in lost income.
• Pain and suffering: This refers to the physical and emotional pain and suffering that the child and their family have experienced as a result of the birth injury.
• Future expenses: This includes the cost of ongoing medical care, therapy, and other treatments that the child may require in the future.
• Punitive damages: In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the defendant for their actions or negligence.

Calculating damages in birth injury cases can be complex and require the expertise of experienced birth injury lawyers in Indianapolis. At Goodin Abernathy, our team of skilled attorneys has the knowledge and expertise to help you determine the damages you may be entitled to and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf. 

If a loved one has suffered from a birth injury, call the birth injury attorneys at Goodin Abernathy for a free consultation.

Goodin Abernathy LLP: Where to turn for sound advice and solid representation. Get advice. Get GA.