Tennessee, the southern state also known as the Volunteer State, is famous for its climate, food, and music scene. The state isn’t without its issues, and birth injuries are one of them.
While every birth is a unique and memorable experience, unfortunately, not all deliveries go as planned. In some cases, babies can sustain injuries during the delivery process that can have long-lasting consequences.
This blog explains how a baby can sustain an injury during delivery. It also lists the different options available to parents to seek compensation. If you are in a similar situation, it helps to seek the assistance of the top Tennessee birth injury attorneys.
Types of Birth Injuries
Various types of birth injuries can occur during delivery. Some common examples include:
- Brachial plexus injuries: These involve damage to the nerves in the neck or shoulder area, resulting in weakness or paralysis of the arm.
- Cerebral palsy: This is a neurological disorder caused by brain damage and can result in motor delays, intellectual disabilities, and other medical issues.
- Fractures: Bones can be broken during delivery due to excessive force or pressure.
- Caput succedaneum: This refers to swelling of the scalp due to prolonged pressure on the baby’s head during delivery.
While some injuries may be minor and resolve with time, others can have lifelong impacts on the child’s health and development. Parents should know these potential risks and understand how they can occur.
Causes of Birth Injuries
Several factors can contribute to a baby sustaining an injury during delivery. These can include:
- Difficult or prolonged labor: Prolonged labor can increase the risk of complications and injuries.
- Improper use of medical tools: Sometimes, doctors may need to use forceps or vacuum extraction to assist with delivery. If not used properly, these tools can cause harm to the baby.
- Lack of oxygen: During delivery, if there are issues with the umbilical cord or placenta, the baby may not receive enough oxygen, which can lead to brain damage and other injuries.
- Failure to monitor fetal distress: It is crucial for medical professionals to closely monitor the health and well-being of both the mother and the baby during delivery. If signs of distress are ignored, it can result in serious injuries.
Legal Options for Families
If your baby has sustained an injury during delivery, you may be wondering what legal options are available to seek justice and compensation. Depending on the circumstances, there are a few possible courses of action:
- Medical malpractice claim: If medical negligence was a contributing factor to the birth injury, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim against the healthcare provider responsible.
- Product liability claim: In some cases, birth injuries may be caused by defective medical tools or equipment used during delivery. Families may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
- Personal injury lawsuit: Injuries sustained during birth may also be a result of physical trauma caused by the doctor or medical staff. A personal injury lawsuit can hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Seeking Legal Help
Birth injuries are complex cases that require the expertise and knowledge of an experienced Tennessee birth injury lawyer. These cases involve extensive medical investigation and legal knowledge, so working with a lawyer who understands these aspects is crucial.
