Columbia Birth Trauma Lawyer
There are always risks involved with childbirth. Up until the 20th century, childbirth was a leading cause of death among mothers. Modern medicine has taken much of the risk out of giving birth, but not all. In fact, the United States ranks last among all developed nations in terms of maternal mortality, according to the Commonwealth Fund. Hundreds of thousands of mothers and newborns suffer serious injuries every year, while 700 mothers die annually as a result of childbirth, according to the CDC. Many of these injuries and deaths are a result of medical negligence. If you or your child were harmed during childbirth, the Columbia birth trauma lawyers at Simmons Law Firm may be able to help you secure financial compensation to pay for medical expenses, future medical needs, pain and suffering, and much more.
Common Injuries to the Baby
Babies can suffer a number of injuries during birth, including fractures to bones, lacerations, brain injury, trauma caused by forceps, and much more. Some of the most common birth injuries include the following:
- Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy—If the brain’s supply of oxygen is cut off, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy can ensue. There are a number of possible scenarios in which HIE can occur. HIE can cause cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or death.
- Neonatal Brachial Plexus Palsy—A particular group of nerves in the shoulder—the brachial plexus—can be damaged during birth if the baby’s arm/shoulder is violently stretched or twisted during birth. Damage to the brachial plexus can cause loss of function to that arm.
- Caput Succedaneum—During a prolonged head-first delivery or during vacuum suction, immense pressure can be put on a newborn’s head. If enough trauma is caused during such a delivery, caput succedaneum—swelling of the skull—can cause brain injury.
- Cephalohematoma—Vacuum extraction can also cause cephalohematoma, which is the accumulation of blood under the baby’s scalp. Cephalohematoma usually resolves itself in a few weeks or months after birth. Though, in some cases medical treatment may be necessary.
Common Injuries to the Mother
Maternal trauma during childbirth is often due to excessive bleeding, and can be fatal if not treated immediately. The mother may require intravenous medication or emergency surgery in certain scenarios, and should always be kept under medical surveillance in the hours after giving birth. Common examples of medical malpractice trauma to mothers during childbirth that can be prevented include:
- Untreated or improperly treated infection;
- Untreated bleeding;
- Preeclampsia (high blood pressure) that goes undiagnosed or untreated;
- Medical equipment or devices that get left inside the mother during C-section;
- Tissue or organ damage caused during C-section;
- Uterine rupture; and
- Anesthesia complications.
Contact a Birth Trauma Attorney at Simmons Law Firm Today
A significant number of injuries during birth are avoidable. Had the healthcare team treating you upheld the standard of care that you were owed, the injuries you or your child sustained may have never happened. If you, your loved one, or your child were injured during childbirth, we urge you to contact an experienced Columbia birth trauma error attorney to discuss your options for seeking the compensation your damages deserve. Call Simmons Law Firm today at 803-779-4600 to schedule a free consultation.
