Compassionate Legal Support for Families in New Mexico
The birth of a child is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, but when medical negligence causes injury to a newborn, it can change everything. Your family will be faced with many challenges and new responsibilities, not to mention the emotional toll that a birth injury can take on parents and other family members. You will also be facing the financial burden of medical bills and ongoing care for your child.
At James Wood Law, we understand what you are going through, and we can help. We have a deep understanding of birth injury cases and the many ways that medical professionals can be negligent. We know the damage that a birth injury can cause, and we are committed to helping you and your family recover just compensation.
If your child has suffered a birth injury due to medical malpractice, contact our Las Cruces birth injury lawyer online or call (888) 579-3866 to learn how we can help.
Birth Injuries Due to Medical Malpractice
Birth injuries can occur when a medical professional is negligent or fails to deliver the required standard of care. Some of the most common types of birth injuries are those that are caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain, which can result in permanent brain damage. Birth injuries can also be caused by trauma during delivery, such as when a doctor uses excessive force or fails to respond to complications that arise during labor.
Some of the most common types of birth injuries include:
Cerebral Palsy: Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a child’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. It is often caused by damage to the brain during birth, which can result from oxygen deprivation, infections, or head trauma.
Erb’s Palsy: Erb’s palsy is a condition characterized by weakness or paralysis of the arm due to injury to the brachial plexus nerves. This injury commonly occurs during delivery when the baby's shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone, requiring excessive force to deliver the baby.
Facial Paralysis: Facial paralysis involves the loss of voluntary muscle movement in a newborn’s face. It is usually caused by pressure on the baby’s face during delivery, particularly when forceps are used to assist the birth.
Fractures: Fractures, such as broken clavicles, can occur during a difficult or rapid delivery. These injuries often result from the use of forceps, vacuum extraction, or the physical stress of a breech birth.
Brachial Plexus Injuries: Brachial plexus injuries involve damage to the network of nerves that send signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. These injuries typically occur during delivery when the baby’s shoulders are stretched or compressed.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Soft tissue injuries include bruises, lacerations, and swelling of the baby’s skin and underlying tissues. These injuries often result from the use of delivery instruments like forceps or vacuum extractors or prolonged pressure during labor.
Brain Damage: Brain damage in newborns can lead to long-term cognitive, physical, or developmental impairments. This type of injury is often caused by oxygen deprivation, trauma during delivery, or infections.
Nerve Damage: Nerve damage can affect various parts of the newborn’s body, leading to loss of function or sensation. This injury is typically caused by pressure, stretching, or improper use of delivery instruments during birth.
Internal Bleeding: Internal bleeding involves hemorrhaging within the newborn’s body, which can affect organs and tissues. It is often the result of trauma during delivery, such as from forceps or vacuum extraction, or underlying conditions like coagulation disorders.
These are just a few examples of the types of birth injuries that can occur. Some birth injuries are apparent immediately, while others may not be diagnosed until much later. Birth injuries can result in permanent disabilities and can even be fatal.
Who Is Liable for Birth Injuries?
If your child has suffered a birth injury, you may be wondering who is responsible. In many cases, the injury is caused by the negligence of a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional. If this is the case, you can take legal action to hold them accountable for their negligence.
The hospital or facility where the birth took place can also be held liable for birth injuries. This is because medical professionals are employees of the facility, and the facility can be held liable for their actions while on the job. In some cases, the equipment or tools used during delivery may be defective, and you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer of the equipment.
How a Las Cruces Birth Injury Attorney Can Help
Birth injury cases can be complex, and taking on a hospital or medical professional on your own can be daunting. At James Wood Law, we are here to help. Our Las Cruces birth injury lawyer has extensive experience handling these types of cases, and we can help you navigate the legal process from start to finish. We will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and the rights of your child, and we will do everything we can to secure the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
Call our office at (888) 579-3866 or online to schedule a consultation with our Las Cruces birth injury lawyer.
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