Child Birth Injury in Provo, UT

Are you or a loved one in Provo dealing with the devastating consequences of childbirth injuries?

The joy of bringing a new life into the world can turn into a nightmare when negligence occurs. In such challenging times, it is essential to have a compassionate and skilled attorney by your side.

We can help you start to navigate the intricacies of medical malpractice. Affected families have rights to exercise, and they are greatly enhanced by hiring the right lawyer. Start the journey toward securing compensation today by reading this article and asking us for help.

What Causes a Childbirth Injury?

Did a medical professional caused you harm due to negligence during childbirth? If so, you have the opportunity to pursue compensation in Provo, UT.

Timing and actions taken are extremely important. On occasions, an infant may sustain a birth injury. This incident can indicate that a healthcare provider made an error or did not respond appropriately. If a medical provider in Provo did not meet the standard of care, it could represent medical malpractice.

It is necessary to demonstrate a clear link between negligence and the resulting harm. However, childbirth injuries can have delayed effects. While certain injuries are apparent, others not not appear until a child misses developmental milestones.

The damages awarded in childbirth injury cases often reflect their seriousness. For instance, there have been cases where families won $10 or $16 million in court. These numbers reflect a lifetime of medical treatment and medications that can follow these incidents.

Furthermore, there are many situations in which a child may experience an injury during birth in Provo. Your specific situation may fall under one of the following examples.

• Improper Vacuum Usage

On occasion, a mother may encounter challenges in delivering a baby through the birth canal. In such cases, healthcare professionals in Provo may choose to use a vacuum. This device is a common tool used to ease the baby’s exit from the birth canal.

Typically, the vacuum attaches to the baby’s head or shoulders. It is the responsibility of nurses and doctors to position it correctly. However, there are instances when the vacuum does not attach in the appropriate location. This mistake can result in significant harm to the mother and the infant.

• Improper Use of Forceps

When a mother experiences challenges during childbirth, there are alternative approaches to consider. One such situation involves the baby being in an improper position in the womb. In such cases, healthcare providers attending to the birth may opt to use forceps. Proper utilization helps minimize the risk of oxygen deprivation and the likelihood of fetal distress.

It is crucial for the medical professionals involved in the birthing process to exercise great caution. Improper use of forceps can result in severe head injuries for the baby. Furthermore, this instrument has the potential to cause nerve damage in the neck or chest area.

• Hypoxia

Hypoxia is a medical condition that arises when a baby’s brain does not receive an adequate supply of oxygen. The most frequent cause of this condition is the entanglement of the umbilical cord around the baby’s neck.

This condition often arises due to a damaged or infected placenta. Fortunately, most healthcare professionals in Provo, Utah are capable of detecting hypoxia early. Consequently, they can take preventive measures to minimize the risk of harm to both the infant and the mother.

However, if the medical staff fails to act promptly, asphyxiation may occur. This can lead to the development of severe physical or mental disabilities in the child. Consequently, the medical staff may be accountable for any resulting damages.

• Cesarean Section Delay

In cases of fetal distress, an emergency C-section may become necessary. This occurs when the baby’s heartbeat drops. It can happen due to the mother’s blood pressure, placental abruption, or other difficulties.

In reality, there are various factors that may lead a doctor to opt for a C-section. For instance, the baby could fail to descend into the birth canal. Also, the mother’s labor may not progress despite contractions.

In such situations and others, the doctor will assess the need for this procedure. Regardless, there is a risk that the medical staff may delay the decision to perform a cesarean. If this happens, the consequences for both the mother and the child can be severe.

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

Additional forms of medical negligence that may lead to harm to the child or the mother are:

• Missing vital changes in an infant’s condition
• Failing to use labor inducing drugs in a timely manner
• Misdiagnosis or missing infections, entrapment, abruptions, or ruptures
• Skipping critical prenatal tests

Facial Paralysis

Facial paralysis injuries during childbirth, though relatively rare, can have significant consequences. This condition can happen due to several factors such as prolonged labor or using forceps. Ultimately, this injury can result in temporary or permanent weakness or paralysis on one side of the face.

Fractures

Fractures caused during childbirth can occur due to the forces exerted on the baby’s body. These fractures most commonly affect the collarbone (clavicle) or the long bones in the arm or leg. The risk factors for birth fractures include large baby size, difficult labor, or breech presentation. They can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement in the affected area temporarily. In some cases, a visible deformity or asymmetry may be noticeable and permanent.

Why Should You Take Action for Your Child Birth Injury?

It is crucial for parents in Provo whose child has a birth injury to take proactive steps. The primary rationale behind pursuing a lawsuit is to safeguard your financial well-being.

Both the child and the mother may face long-term challenges and disabilities. The expenses associated with treatment, medical equipment, and medications can quickly become overwhelming. Additionally, the course of your own life or that of your child may depend on a lawsuit.

The March of Dimes reports that Utah’s infant mortality rate is in line with the national average. However, losing 5.4 per 1,000 live births in a city like Provo is not exactly a good statistic. In fact, it is far above the rest of the developed world.

Work With an Experienced Local Child Birth Injury Lawyer in Provo, Utah 

If you have concerns about childbirth injuries in Provo, it is important to take appropriate measures. Seek out the help of a nearby attorney who specializes in child birth injury cases.

Ask us for legal help through our website or call (866) 345-6784. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Utah state lines.