Child Birth Injury in Fresno, CA

Everyone wants the best case scenario for the child; healthy and happy. And for many people, those first few moments of life with their newborn child are everything they hope it will be. However, there are those in Fresno that suffer through injury during childbirth; either to their child or themselves. This is generally due to medical malpractice or negligence. If this happens to you, you may want to seek out an experienced attorney in Fresno.

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 Fresno, CA.

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 Fresno 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.

As much as we like to put our faith in medical professionals, they are not infallible. At times, they may even be unavailable. KTLA reports that a local firefighter was forced to help his wife deliver their child in their car because there wasn’t enough time to make it to the hospital. While situations like this are rare, it is always beneficial to be as armed as possible with knowledge so that you can remain calm in an extraordinary situation.

Residents can take advantage of local resources, such as Fresno Birth, to make sure they are prepared for the birthing process.

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

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

Caput Succedaneum

During a long or difficult vaginal delivery, a pronounced swelling of the top of the child’s head can occur. This is often attributed to an early rupture of the membranes, or if there is too little amniotic fluid present. However, according to Medline Health Plus, this can also occur during an improper vacuum extraction of a child.

Facial Paralysis

MedlinePlus states that facial nerve palsy, or facial paralysis, can be caused in infants just before or during the birthing process. Certain causes for this are unknown, but oftentimes it can be attributed to long and difficult delivery. However certain factors that were once thought to have been involved in facial paralysis have been disproven. Factors such as long pregnancies, use of epidural or use of drugs to induce labor; none of these contribute to facial paralysis.

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 Fresno, 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.

Residents of Fresno should be aware that California has some of the lowest infant mortality rates in the U.S. According to March of Dimes, the infant mortality rate for the state is 4.2 deaths per every 1,000 live births. Still, if your child has been injured during the birthing process, you may want to reach out to an experienced attorney in Fresno.

Work With an Experienced Local Child Birth Injury Lawyer in Fresno, California 

If you suspect child birth injury medical malpractice in Fresno, 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 California 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!