Child Birth Injury in Boulder, CO

The process of childbirth is an incredible experience. It’s a time filled with hope, joy, and the anticipation of welcoming a new life into the world. But what happens when this joyous occasion becomes a nightmare due to avoidable childbirth injuries?

Every year, families in Boulder face this reality, often without knowing what steps to take next. But you are not alone, and you have legal rights.

It’s time to get the help you deserve. Consider the details in our article below and ask for a referral to a skilled attorney today.

What Causes a Childbirth Injury?

Was a medical professional you trusted negligent and did damage occur as a result? If so, affected parents have a chance of bringing a medical malpractice lawsuit for compensation in Boulder, CO.

During any labor and delivery process, timing and action are two crucial elements. Sometimes an infant suffers a birth injury. It can mean that a medical practitioner either made a poor judgment call or failed to act appropriately. If the Boulder medical provider’s actions go against the standard of care, then it may fit the legal definition of negligence.

To prove birth injury, negligence must have a direct connection to the damage. One of the most unfortunate elements of childbirth injury is not discovering the effects right away. Some injuries are discernible immediately after they happen. However, things that affect the brain may not be evident until developmental milestones are not reached.

It is also notable that hundreds of hospitals in Colorado no longer have childbirth units. As a result, CNN has identified several areas that do not offer the care mothers need. This shocking development applies even more in the rural areas around Boulder.

Beyond this, there are quite a few scenarios that may cause a child to sustain an injury while being born in Boulder. One of the following examples may apply to your circumstances.

Improper Vacuum Usage

Sometimes a mother has difficulties delivering a baby through the birth canal. Boulder medical professionals may intervene and use a vacuum to assist. This machine is a standard instrument that can help suction the baby down and out of the birth canal. The vacuum attaches to the baby’s head or shoulders. Nurses and doctors are responsible for placing it appropriately. However, sometimes the vacuum is not attached where it should be. This error can cause severe injury to the mother and the infant during childbirth.

Improper Use of Forceps

There are other options when a mother is having difficulty delivering her child. For example, the baby can be improperly positioned in the womb.

In this case, attending medical professionals may use forceps to help move a baby through the birthing canal. Appropriate use of forceps reduces oxygen deprivation. This tool also reduces the chances of fetal distress that can result in birth injuries.

The medical professionals that are birthing a child must use extreme care. The improper use of forceps can cause severe injuries to the head. Additionally, this device can also cause nerve damage in the neck or the chest.

Hypoxia

Hypoxia is a medical condition that occurs when the brain of a baby is not receiving enough oxygen. The most common cause before and during delivery is the umbilical cord becoming tangled around the baby’s neck.

This condition often occurs due to a damaged or infected placenta. Thankfully, most Boulder, Colorado medical professionals can identify hypoxia well in advance. As a result, they can intercede to eliminate the chances of the infant or the mother facing harm.

However, if the professional medical staff does not take action quickly enough, asphyxiation may occur. This can result in causing a child to develop severe physical or mental disabilities. Accordingly, medical staff may be liable for any damages that happened.

Cesarean Section Delay

An emergency C-section may be necessary due to the infant’s fetal distress. This medical event occurs when the heartbeat of the infant drops because of the mother’s blood pressure. In addition, this condition can happen when there is a placental abruption or other breathing difficulties.

In truth, there are several reasons why a doctor may perform a C-section. For example, the baby could be in the wrong position or fail to descend into the birth canal. Another qualifying situation is when the mother has labored without dilation.

In these and other circumstances, the doctor may determine whether this procedure needs to happen. It may be the only way to safely birth the baby without further damage. But, the medical staff may wait too long to perform a cesarean. If so, the consequences for mother and child could be quite grave.

What Are Some Other Possible Causes of Childbirth Injury in Boulder?

Other types of medical neglect that could result in injuries to the child or the birth mother include:

• Failing to perform sufficient prenatal testing
• Not using labor-inducing drugs timely
• Failing to diagnose or treat infections, umbilical cord entrapment, placental abruption, premature rupture of the membranes or placenta previa
• Not addressing changes in the baby’s condition

Facial Paralysis

Facial paralysis during childbirth is a rare but concerning event that can result from several factors. Most commonly, it is due to birth trauma to the facial nerve. This pressure can occur if forceps inadvertently apply pressure on the baby’s face. In addition, some babies can develop it if they have trouble passing through the birth canal. Some cases of newborn facial paralysis resolve with time in Boulder, and others may require medical intervention.

Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia often occurs when a baby’s shoulders get stuck inside the mother’s pelvic bone. Using birthing tools, like forceps or vacuum extractors, increases the risk of it occurring. Additionally, certain delivery techniques, such as inducing labor or an episiotomy, can also increase the risk. Improper handling of this situation can result in injuries to both the mother and the baby in Boulder.

Why Should You Take Action for Your Child Birth Injury?

It is essential that any parent whose child has been diagnosed with a birth injury in Boulder, take action to seek financial compensation. The most practical reason to pursue a childbirth injury lawsuit is to protect your financial future. A child and their mother may have to deal with a lifetime of setbacks and disabilities. The costs for treatment, medical equipment, and medications can overwhelm your budget quickly. As well, the trajectory of your life or your child’s can depend on pursuing civil action.

According to the CDC, Colorado has an infant mortality rate of 4.7 per 1,000 live births. This statistic often indicates the quality of obstetrics care in cities like Boulder. While this rate is slightly below the national average, that does not say much. America consistently ranks lower than other developed countries and there is much room for improvement.

Work With an Experienced Local Child Birth Injury Lawyer in Boulder, Colorado 

If you suspect child birth injury medical malpractice in Boulder, you should take action. Find a local child birth injury lawyer to navigate the often difficult waters of birth injury lawsuits. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Colorado state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!