According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for every 33 births in the United States, one child is born with a birth defect. While some of these defects are minor, others are serious conditions that compromise the quality of the child’s life and sometimes lead to his or her death. Sometimes, these defects have genetic causes; however, all too often, they are the result of improper procedure and negligent acts committed by obstetricians, OB/GYNs and delivery and labor nurses. If your child is suffering from any of the following, consult the Snyder Litigation team, Maryland birth injury lawyer who can help you determine if an actionable case of medical malpractice exists.
Cerebral Palsy
Though it often develops naturally, this condition may occur due to a delivering physician’s negligent actions. Cerebral palsy occurs when the infant's brain is deprived of oxygen. The severity of this condition varies, but symptoms often include hearing or vision difficulties, decreased muscle tone and problems with coordination. A successful cesarean section can usually prevent potential problems, but only if the doctor acts promptly. When a physician fails to recognize the need for an emergency cesarean section, he or she may be held liable for malpractice.
Erb’s Palsy
Also known as brachial palsy or Erb-Duchenne Palsy, Erb’s palsy leads to paralysis of the arm due to improper procedure or unnecessary force used to extract the baby from the birth canal. Too much force can cause damage to vital nerve bundles in the shoulder called brachial plexus. When these bundles are stretched during delivery, Erb’s palsy may result. Children who suffer from this condition may experience temporary or permanent paralysis in the fingers, hands and/or arm.
Other Birth Injuries
Erb’s palsy and Cerebral palsy aren’t the only kinds of birth-related injuries that occur in Maryland hospitals. Improper procedure by physicians can also lead to infections, bone fractures, spinal cord damage, paralysis and forceps-related injuries.