When babies are born, they go through a traumatic time. Even in the safest birth, children might have bruises or injuries. The truth is that birth is a little messy and rough for the infants, but the majority make it into their parents’ arms with no ill effects.
Sometimes, though, these infants do suffer serious birth injuries. They may be natural, as a result of complications, or may be caused by inattention, negligence or other errors. Birth injuries may be caused physically by forceps, for example, if they are used too forcefully. Children may also suffer injuries from not getting enough oxygen if they are trapped in the birth canal for too long.
Overall, birth injuries are fairly rare compared to even a few decades ago. However, it’s important to note any injuries your child has suffered and to find out exactly why those occurred. If your child has a palsy, for instance, it could be genetic or a result of nerve damage caused by errors or stress during the birth. It’s always good to look into the situation and make sure that you and your child were treated with the appropriate standard of care.
What should you do if you think the medical provider made a mistake?
If you believe that the medical provider made a mistake that led to your child’s injuries, it’s a smart choice to write down exactly what happened, to gather your medical documents and to reach out to your attorney. With help, you may be able to find out exactly what happened and hold those responsible accountable.