Child Birth Injury in Indiana

It would be generous to say that Indiana has a complicated history with managing childbirths.

Publications like The Indianapolis Star have investigated why there is a problem with mortality during childbirth. Generally, a lack of access to obstetric wards is a significant factor. This element and other issues resulted in 53 deaths per 100,000 births.

While the state government is aware of the risk to mothers and infants, progress has been slow. Consider the details below carefully if you believe you need to protect your family’s interests on your own.

What Causes a Childbirth Injury?

While enduring delivery, was a medical professional negligent towards you and did damage occur as a result? If so, affected parents have a chance of bringing a medical malpractice lawsuit for compensation in Indiana.

During the labor and delivery process, timing and action are two crucial elements. Sometimes an infant suffers a birth injury. This can mean that a medical practitioner either made a poor judgment call or failed to act appropriately. However, if the Indiana 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 come, and are not reached.

This fact is especially critical because of the statute of limitations in Indiana law. Families only have two years to recognize injury and do something about it.

Even further, there are quite a few scenarios that may cause a child to sustain an injury while being born in Indiana. 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. Indiana medical professionals may intervene and use a vacuum to assist. The 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. Attending medical professionals may use forceps to help move it 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.

Still, 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 Indiana 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 an infant 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.

• Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia is the result of a difficult childbirth. There are circumstances where the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck coming out of the birth canal. The risk is significantly higher with large babies or a mother with a smaller pelvis in an incorrect position. Current research finds that these conditions can cause this issue in 5% to 9% of live births. While this presents a challenge, there are techniques and tools obstetricians should use to prevent it.

• Fractures

Fractures can happen to an infant due to improper techniques or negligence during childbirth. The National Center for Biotechnology Information identifies clavicle fractures as the most common injury. This issue can happen due to too much force or twisting by the hospital’s delivery team. Depending on the location of the break, other problems can arise, like hemorrhaging.

• Caput succedaneum

Caput succedaneum can happen while using forceps during an extended vaginal delivery. It causes what some call a “cone head.” In certain circumstances, it can even cause hair loss and jaundice.

A publication by the Cleveland Clinic asserts caput succedaneum causes edema and swelling. Generally, there is a 2% to 33% chance that it can occur during a live birth in Indiana. The symptoms usually subside, but there are instances where the hair loss can be permanent.

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

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 Indiana, 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 Indiana University School of Medicine says the state has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the country. Regrettably, this statistic is now 20% higher than the national average. It is clear there are significant problems with obstetrics that can mean parents need legal assistance.

Work With an Experienced Local Child Birth Injury Lawyer in Indiana

If you expect birth injury medical malpractice in Indiana, you should take action. Cases can vary sharply depending on the state in which the injury occurs. 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 Indiana 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!