Explaining Birth Injuries

Injuries that occur just before, during or after birth are classified as birth injuries. Birth injuries fall under the categories of medical malpractice or medical negligence. One cause of birth injury is an interruption of oxygen flow to the brain which can result in brain damage and cerebral palsy. Some other forms of birth injuries are: Erb's palsy (damage to the nerves that control the arm) and Bell's palsy (paralysis of the facial nerve).  When a physician closely monitors the birthing process and takes actions accordingly in an obstetric emergency, birth injuries can be avoided.

Effects of Birth Injuries

Infant injury, also known as pediatric injury sustained during the birthing process can occur when blood flow or oxygen are restricted. Additionally, damage can occur during the use of forceps or a vacuum. In most cases, injuries can be avoided all together with proper obstetric care, prenatal planning and a highly trained medical staff doing their job and making the right decisions.

Failures to monitor the birth mother, failure to detect improper positioning of the fetus in the birth canal and failures to respond correctly to complications that arise during labor and delivery can all result in a birth injury of the infant.  Fractures and soft-tissue damage can heal with time; however, permanent nerve or brain damage will affect you, your family and your child for a lifetime of heartache and financial burden.

A Patient's Rights

If you have an infant who has suffered from a preventable birth injury in the Seattle or surrounding areas, it would be in your child's and your own best interests to contact a Seattle birth injuries attorney at Ward Smith. We are aware of the extensive repercussions that result from a birth injury that can span over the extent of a lifetime. We have knowledge and experience in dealing with birth injury cases and have the skills necessary to help you gain the best possible advantage in order to recuperate your current and future losses. No amount of money can make up for the injuries sustained in a birth injury case; however receiving compensation could substantially help improve the quality of life for your child and help ensure proper medical care is received.

Contact a Seattle Birth Injury Lawyer at our firm for a free consultation if your child is a victim of a birth injury.