Child Birth Injury in Detroit, MI

Becoming a parent generally changes people in Detroit. Somehow the responsibility for a smaller life transforms the selfish individual to a selfless, caring adult that is able to put the needs of another before their own.

This moment can be dashed, however, if your newborn child receives injury due to medical malpractice or negligence. Fractures, paralysis, and even death of the child is not unheard of. There could also be complications with the mother’s recovery.

If you have experienced a scenario such as this, you may want to contact an experienced Detroit attorney to help fight for your family.

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 Detroit, MI.

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 Detroit 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.

While it may be unpleasant to think about, there are many mothers who give birth and then consider surrendering their child to someone. While this happens for a variety of reasons, Detroit residents have the Michigan Safe Delivery Laws at their disposal. Within 3 days of birth, a child can be given to any uniformed employee within a hospital, fire station, or police station. A child can also be surrendered to an EMT by calling 9-1-1. This program is safe and confidential for all parties. The child will then be placed for adoption.

Beyond this, there are quite a few scenarios that may cause a child to sustain an injury while being born in Detroit. 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. Detroit 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 Detroit, Michigan 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 Detroit?

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

Neonatal Femur Fractures

According to Very Well Health, it is more common than people think to injure a child’s femur during delivery. The femur can be fractured if the child is awkwardly pulled, or even grabbed too hard, during the birthing process.

This generally occurs when the leg is grabbed, twisted, and pulled when trying to remove the baby from the birth canal. The general indicator of a fractured femur in children is a pain when the leg is moved.

Brachial Plexus

According to the Children’s Hospital, brachial plexus injuries occur at a rate of about 3 in every 1,000 births. The brachial plexus is injured when the nerves are stretched or compressed during a difficult delivery. These injuries vary in seriousness, as well as recovery time. The nerves can be stretched, ruptured, or even experience an avulsion.

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 Detroit, 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.

Detroit residents should be aware that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services records mortality statistics for the state to improve in the treatment of children and mothers. According to the most recent data, there are over 6 infant deaths for every 1,000 born in the state.

There can be a flood of emotions if you or your child has been injured due to negligence or malpractice; fear, depression, rage. However, it may be in your best interest, as well as your child’s, to focus that anger in getting restitution for what has happened. The best way to do that may be to engage the services of an experienced attorney in Detroit.

Work With an Experienced Local Child Birth Injury Lawyer In Detroit, Michigan 

If you suspect childbirth injury medical malpractice in Detroit, you should take action. Find a local childbirth injury lawyer to navigate the often difficult waters of birth injury lawsuits. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Michigan 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!