Albuquerque Birth Injury Lawyer 

What Can Go Wrong During Labor and Delivery? 

Several things can go wrong during labor and delivery, the most common of which include:

• Miscalculating the size of the baby (large infants)
• Unnecessary delays in a C-Section delivery
• Use of excessive force during delivery
• Choosing the inappropriate delivery method
• Failure to promptly treat lack of oxygen, infection, or bleeding
• Giving the wrong dose or type of oxytocin or misoprostol
• Using a vacuum extraction when a C-Section or forceps is necessary

Birth Injury Risk Factors

There are around 28,000 birth injuries every year in the U.S. Many of these are preventable. That’s because certain factors dramatically increase the risk of a birth injury when left untreated. 

• Large Babies: Some babies are naturally large, and others become large due to delayed birth. Delayed babies continue to grow, making it difficult for them to fit through the birth canal. This can cause a baby to become stuck and require forceps or other invasive procedures to remove them.
• Maternal Weight: Weight gain is a natural part of pregnancy. However, excessive maternal weight puts babies at a significant risk of brain and spinal injuries. Their doctors should closely monitor expecting mothers presenting this condition to determine the best action plan.
• Blood Pressure: A mother’s blood pressure determines her baby’s supply of blood and oxygen. If the blood pressure is too high or too low, the baby is at risk of asphyxiation. For that reason, doctors should regularly monitor blood pressure throughout pregnancy. Likewise, they must control blood pressure throughout delivery and the days after.
• Gestational Diabetes: Some mothers develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. This (usually) temporary condition dissipates in the days after delivery. However, any diabetic status can have a profound impact on a child’s development. This is a condition that should be closely monitored and treated by healthcare professionals.

Long-Term Impact of Birth Injuries

A birth injury can result in long-term challenges that affect the child’s development and the family’s well-being. The severity of the injury can vary, but the following are common long-term effects:

• Physical Disabilities: Injuries such as brain or spinal cord damage may require ongoing medical treatment and therapy, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
• Emotional and Psychological Impact: Both the child and parents may face emotional challenges, including anxiety, depression, or stress, as they cope with the injury's effects.
• Financial Strain: Birth injuries can lead to significant costs, including:
  • Special medical equipment
  • Long-term care or assisted living
  • Frequent doctor visits and therapy sessions
• Need for Home Modifications: Families may have to modify their living spaces to accommodate the child's needs, which can add to the financial burden.

These effects can stretch over the child’s lifetime, requiring careful planning for medical needs and care. A legal claim can help families manage these ongoing costs.

The Importance of Timely Legal Action in Birth Injury Cases

In birth injury cases, time is critical. It is essential to consult a skilled birth injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure that key evidence is preserved and your case is filed within the statute of limitations. In New Mexico, the statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice claim is typically three years from when the injury occurred or was discovered. Delaying action may prevent you from seeking justice and compensation, as medical records, hospital logs, and witness statements can be lost or altered over time.

The earlier you act, the more likely important evidence will be available to support your claim, strengthening your case. Moreover, legal action can provide families with the necessary closure. It ensures that the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions, and it can serve as a step toward preventing similar mistakes from occurring in the future. By seeking justice through the legal system, you can help protect other families from experiencing the same pain and hardship.

Why You Should Contact a Birth Injury Lawyer

While most people don’t want to think about a potential legal battle following an injury to their baby, it’s sometimes necessary to help cover the expenses associated with the harm. The presence of a birth injury can mean long-term medical needs due to physical and mental developmental delays, pain, and more resulting from the injury. 

This means that, while not always a primary concern, legal action can benefit the affected family. It can help the family manage some of the financial hardships associated with the birth injury, including special equipment, medical expenses, and long-term care. 

It also means the family can hold the negligent party accountable and seek the justice they deserve.

If you or your child are currently suffering from undue injuries sustained at the hands of a negligent medical professional, we can help. Contact James Wood Law today to schedule a FREE consultation with our birth injury lawyer in Albuquerque!