Child Birth Injury in Edison, NJ

Do you feel your family didn’t receive the attention it deserves in the hospital during childbirth?

An article from StatPearls Publishing suggests a coordinated effort is necessary for a successful live birth. When any element falls aside in a hospital in Edison, hefty medical bills and suffering can follow.

There are many aspects to federal or New Jersey state laws that may entitle you to compensation. Give yourself some time today to explore options and prepare for a consultation with a local attorney.

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 Edison, NJ.

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 Edison 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.

Dealing with the aftermath of these types of injuries can require millions of dollars for families in Edison. Accordingly, there is a demonstrable precedent for sizable judgments.

Beyond this, there are quite a few scenarios that may cause a child to sustain an injury while being born in Edison. 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. Edison 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 Edison, New Jersey 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.

• Klumpke’s Palsy

Stretching or tearing of the nerves in an infant’s shoulder can cause Klumpke’s palsy. As a result, the child will have paralysis in the lower arm or hand. In some circumstances, there will also be a drooping eyelid on one side of their face.

Proving that Klumpe’s palsy is the result of medical negligence depends on several critical factors. First, mitigating circumstances like large birth weight matter. Furthermore, parents in Edison need evidence that malpractice created the conditions for it to happen.

• Facial Paralysis

The Oman Medical Journal reports facial paralysis is relatively common in infants. Parents in Edison may have more familiarity with this injury as Bell’s palsy.

Medical research recognizes ischemic triggers, infection, and inflammation as potential causes. However, there are situations where malpractice can be a significant contributor. For instance, an obstetrician in Edison could use too much force during vaginal birth.

• Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia is often the result of a troublesome vaginal birth in Edison. Depending on the severity, it can become life-threatening or cause permanent disabilities. Risk factors that can lead to an infant’s arm getting trapped over its head include:

• Diabetes

• Small pelvic opening

• Previous experience with shoulder dystocia

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

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

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 Edison, 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.

The New Jersey Department of Health admits there is a problem with disparities in infant mortality rates. Unfortunately, the state has one of the largest gaps between ethnic groups in the country. Every family in Edison deserves appropriate care. When that doesn’t happen, there are local attorneys prepared to help you find the recourse you deserve.

Work With an Experienced Local Child Birth Injury Lawyer in Edison, New Jersey 

If you suspect child birth injury medical malpractice in Edison, 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 New Jersey 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!