Child Birth Injury in Idaho Falls, ID

The feelings accompanying the birth of a child include stress, anxiety, and unbelievable joy. But, those feelings become even more complicated when a mistake ensues in the delivery room.

Unfortunately, symptoms that indicate an error do not show for years. Even worse, Idaho Statutes have a stringent limitation on filing a medical malpractice lawsuit. As a result, families in Idaho Falls may not have much time to seek legal consultation. The goal of this guide is to provide you with some essential details to seek civil justice starting 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 Idaho Falls, ID.

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 Idaho Falls 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.

Circumstances involving brain damage to an infant in Idaho can cost millions over a lifetime. For instance, Insurance Journal reported a $5 million settlement in the past.

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

• Skull Fractures

Research from 2022 finds that head trauma is the most frequent childbirth injury. It is rare for the cause to be the use of excessive force in a delivery room in Idaho Falls. However, when it occurs, there are potentially life-threatening consequences.

Skull fractures happen in 2% of vaginal deliveries and 1% of Cesarean deliveries. Depending on the severity, surgery and other medical interventions may be required.

• Klumpke’s Palsy

Klumpke’s palsy can result in injuries to the brachial plexus during childbirth in Idaho Falls. These nerves run from the shoulder through the armpit and contribute to the arm’s functionality. When damage occurs, the resulting symptoms can include:

• Pain

• Muscle atrophy

• Inflexible joints in the wrist or hand

• Paralyzation in the arm

What Are Some Other Possible Causes of Childbirth Injury in Idaho Falls?

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?

Studies have shown that the infant mortality rate is a fair barometer for the quality of healthcare. Therefore, it is notable that the CDC reports Idaho has an infant mortality rate of 5.1 per 1,000 births. As a result, it is also fair to conclude some changes need to happen in cities like Idaho Falls.

It is essential that any parent whose child has been diagnosed with a birth injury in Idaho Falls, 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.

Work With an Experienced Local Child Birth Injury Lawyer in Idaho Falls, Idaho 

If you suspect child birth injury medical malpractice in Idaho Falls, 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 Idaho 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!