Birth injuries can have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of both the newborn and their mother. This trauma often results from complications during the labor and delivery process. Understanding the various conditions that can arise from birth injuries is...
In Indiana, generally, an injured party has two years from the date of the alleged neglect, act, or omission to file a lawsuit. However, Indiana has made an exception for injuries to children. In Indiana, a special statute states that a minor less than six (6) years of age has until the minor’s eighth birthday to file a lawsuit. If…
If medical malpractice during pregnancy or childbirth caused a child to suffer birth injuries, hiring a birth injury lawyer and filing a claim for compensation can help parents hold negligent parties accountable. Birth Injuries: Causes and Effects In the United States, 1 in 33 children are born with birth injuries or defects, affecting about 120,000 babies each year. Depending on…
Parents of children born with cerebral palsy may be able to bring a medical malpractice claim against negligent healthcare providers. Cerebral palsy, a severe motor disability, is a common birth injury caused by oxygen deprivation to the brain during childbirth. The Impact of Cerebral Palsy Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability found in children. It impacts the body’s…
Before delivery, pregnant women should have a birthing plan in place and discuss the risks of natural birth and Caesarean section with their doctor. Understanding the Risks of Childbirth When a woman gives birth, the baby can come into the world in one of two ways – a...
Brachial plexus injuries occur during childbirth when an infant’s neck is stretched too far to one side causing nerve damage. What Is Brachial Plexus Birth Injury? Brachial plexus birth injuries affect the nerve network located between the neck and shoulders. These nerves provide muscle control in the shoulder, chest, arms, hands, and fingers, as well as feeling in upper limbs.…
There are four elements to birth injury claims: (1) the duty of care, (2) the breach of that duty, (3) causation, and (4) the injury. Unfortunately, babies may suffer trauma or other harm just before, during, or just after their births that may have lasting effects. When babies suffer injuries because of the actions or negligence of health care professionals, parents…
There are many types of birth injuries that stem from medical malpractice, but brachial plexus palsy, bone fractures, brain damage, facial nerve damage, and head trauma are some of the most common. Although some birth injuries heal on their own, others increase the risk of serious medical conditions, cause physical or mental impairments, or result in death. Medical professionals are…
Doctors who fail to detect the signs of fetal distress in Indiana may be liable when birth injuries result. Signs of fetal distress may include heart rate changes, meconium in the amniotic fluid, reduced movement, abnormal fluid levels, and maternal symptoms. These...
Severe cases of jaundice can threaten the lives of infants or cause them to have permanent and debilitating brain damage. Most cases of jaundice are harmless if treated appropriately. What is Jaundice? Jaundice is a common condition found in 60 percent of term infants and 80 percent of preterm infants. Also known as hyperbilirubinemia, jaundice is caused by excessive levels…
