While scientists used to believe that cerebral palsy was mainly caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain during labor and delivery, it is now believed that this is the cause of only a small number of cases. It is now believed that brain damage that leads to cerebral palsy can occur before or during birth or sometime in the child’s first year of life.

Acquired Cerebral Palsy Acquired cerebral palsy is exactly what it sounds like: CP that is acquired during or after birth. There are risk factors associated with acquired cerebral palsy that every parent should be aware of. These include:

• Developing brain – Infants are at the greatest risk of developing cerebral palsy through a brain injury. The brain is still forming, and trauma can affect its development.
• Low birth weight – Infants who are born preterm or with a low birth weight are at a higher risk for developing acquired CP.
• Infections – Brain infections that are caused by not being vaccinated put a child at risk.
• Injury – Again, injury to the brain puts a child at risk of acquired cerebral palsy.

Congenital Cerebral Palsy

Congenital cerebral palsy is attributed to brain damage that occurs before or during the birthing process. Between 85 and 90 percent of CP is thought to be congenital. In some cases, in fact, in many cases, the exact reason that an infant develops cerebral palsy is not known.

Certain risk factors have been associated with congenital cerebral palsy. These include:

• Low birth weight – Children who weigh under five pounds at birth have a higher chance of developing cerebral palsy.
• Premature birth – Children who are born before the 32nd week of pregnancy stand the greatest chance of being born with or developing CP. While advances in medical care for premature babies has grown, there are still risks.
• Multiple births – When a parent gives birth to multiple children, those children are at a greater risk for CP. This is especially true if one of the infants dies prior to birth or just after.
• Infections – When a mother experiences an infection during pregnancy, her child may have a heightened risk of developing cerebral palsy. Fever, certain proteins, and some types of infection have been known to damage the developing brain of the fetus.
• Birth complications – Certain complications that occur during the delivery process put children at a greater risk for developing cerebral palsy. These complications include uterine rupture, placental detachment, and problems with oxygen delivery to the infant’s brain.

Preventing Cerebral Palsy

Although the causes of congenital cerebral palsy are not always known, acquired cerebral palsy may be preventable. Before pregnancy, it is advised that a woman be as healthy as possible. Any health conditions should be properly controlled before the woman becomes pregnant.

A woman who is planning on getting pregnant should be vaccinated for diseases that could cause problems for a developing fetus. Vaccinations for chicken pox and rubella should be administered before the woman becomes pregnant. If a woman is undergoing assistive therapies to become pregnant, steps should be taken to reduce the chance of a multiple pregnancy.

During pregnancy, the mother should get routine medical care. An expectant mother is advised to wash their hands frequently to avoid becoming sick, and a flu vaccine is advisable prior to the start of flu season. Women who are pregnant should be aware of their blood type. Rh incompatibility between mother and fetus can cause jaundice and other complications. There are ways to prevent these problems.

Any woman at risk for a premature birth should speak with their doctor about their options. Once the child is born, vaccines are an important factor in the reduction of risk of CP. Steps should also be taken to prevent injury to the child, especially to the brain. parents should always use the correct car safety seats, “baby proof” the home, and carefully supervise their infants.

Cerebral palsy is a serious condition that impacts the life of not only the child, but the entire family. In the most severe cases, children with cerebral palsy need lifelong care. In most cases, children will need several types of therapies in order to develop typically or as typically as possible.

If your child was diagnosed with acquired cerebral palsy as a result of a medical professional’s error or negligence, you have legal rights. Reach out to our New York birth injury attorneys today for a free case evaluation. We will review the details of your child’s diagnosis and advise you of those rights. Call today to schedule your free case evaluation.

Many mothers have found that going through labor in a pool of water may help to ease pain and possibly speed up the delivery process. Women, doctors say, should leave the pool when it is time to push. Dr. Joseph Wax, chairman of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ (ACOG) committee on obstetrics practice, says, “Potential infant risks of second stage immersion include fresh water drowning, serious infection, umbilical cord (snapping) with (bleeding) and need for transfusion.”

Even though there is no proven benefit of a water birth, women who are otherwise healthy may want to try it. Women who do elect a water birth should be full term and not have had any complications during the pregnancy. When women do choose a water birth, whether at home or in the hospital, they need to be monitored closely.

Home births have been shown, statistically, to be more dangerous to the infant. Infections and complications from the birth could explain the increased risk. Recommendations are that a woman should only take part in a water birth during the second stage of labor if she is part of a clinical trial.

If you believe that your baby has been injured in New York during the birthing process due to medical negligence or error, reach out to our team of experienced birth injury attorneys. We will review the details of your case at no cost to you and advise you of the options you have under current state law.

The rate of cesarean birth in the United States has dropped for the first time in decades. Before you get too excited, it’s important to note that the drop was only by 0.1 percent. The rate of cesarean births in our country is still higher than 32 percent of all births, a number that is higher than in any other developed country.

Cesarean births pose serious challenges to the newborn. These infants are more likely to face complications and injuries that they would not if they were born vaginally. This is especially true of scheduled cesareans where the mother was not given the opportunity to labor before delivery.

When a c-section is scheduled, babies are more likely to be born premature. Mothers and their newborns are not as likely to have skin-to-skin contact immediately following the birth. The pain medications given to mothers before a c-section can make it more difficult for the newborn to latch on and feed.

Some research has indicated that asthma may be more prevalent in people who were born via c-section. Studies have found that children born via cesarean had a specific type of bacteria in their intestines. This bacteria was present in children born vaginally, but at a rate that was not as high. It is this intestinal bacteria that is linked to allergies and asthma later in life.

The pulling of a child from the uterus through an incision can put the child at risk for pulled muscles and dislocated joints. Children whose airways are suctioned may have a greater risk for respiratory issues. While any type of birth can put a mother and child at risk, a planned cesarean should be discussed at length before it is ultimately decided upon. For most mothers and babies, a vaginal delivery is the safest method of birth.

If your child suffered a birth injury in New York, no matter how they were delivered, you may be entitled to compensation under the law. Call our office and allow a member of our team to review the details of your medical case at no cost to you. We will advise you of your right and help you move forward in a way that is most beneficial to you and your family. Call now.

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You gave birth to your child after months of waiting. Shortly after a difficult birth, you discovered that your child had suffered a brachial plexus injury. What exactly is this injury and how will it affect your child?

How Brachial Plexus Injuries Happen

There is a cluster of nerves that send signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm and hand. This is called the brachial plexus. During the birthing process, the infant’s shoulder may bet caught, or the doctor may use too much force to assist the infant in emerging from the birth canal. When either of these things happen, the nerves can be pulled or torn.

Infants who suffer a brachial plexus injury may be diagnosed with Erb’s palsy, a paralysis of the upper brachial plexus. Alternatively, they may be diagnosed with Klumpke’s palsy, or paralysis of the lower brachial plexus. Children with Erb’s palsy may lose motion around the shoulder or elbow, and children with Klumpke’s palsy may lose movement of the wrist or hand.

Types of Brachial Plexus Injuries

Doctors at Johns Hopkins Medicine have divided brachial plexus injuries into six types. The ability to recover from such an injury depends upon its severity.

• Avulsion: This is when the nerve is completely torn from the spine. There is no chance of recovering from this injury.
• Rupture: A rupture occurs when the nerve is partially stretched or torn.
• Neurapraxia: The nerve is only gently pulled or compressed. Chances of recovery are excellent.
• Axonotemesis: The axons of the nerve cells have been cut. There is a moderate chance of recovery.
• Neurotemesis: This is diagnosed when the entire nerve has been severed. There is a chance of recovery but it is small.
• Neuroma: The torn nerve healed but a tumor developed. The chances of recovery depend on the unique injury.

When brachial plexus injuries heal on their own, they typically do so by the time the child is four months old. In other cases, children require physical therapy or surgery if there is any hope of recovery.

If your child has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury, call our office. We will review the details of your case and advise you of your options. We are here for you and your family. Reach out to us today.

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No matter how smoothly your pregnancy is going, you can still experience complications during delivery. Your doctor is prepared to handle these complications as is the hospital you have chosen. Here are some complications that tend to be more common than others.

1. Premature Delivery

One of the greatest fears parents face is a baby that is delivered too early. A baby who is born before it has had a chance to mature inside the womb may have lungs that are underdeveloped and other issues that make survival uncertain. Women are typically pregnant for 40 weeks before giving birth. Any baby born before 37 weeks is considered premature.

2. Prolonged Labor

It is a small percentage of mostly first-time mothers who may have a labor that is termed a “failure to progress.” This delayed labor is risky for both the mother and unborn child. Doctors may choose to intervene with a cesarean section in these cases.

3. Abnormal Presentation

When doctors talk about presentation of the infant, they are talking about which part of the baby will appear first as it comes through the birth canal. Ideally, the baby presents head first, facing the mother’s back. Some babies shift to an abnormal position, or one in which their buttocks or feet present first. This is called breech and can be dangerous for the mother and child.

4. Premature Rupture of the Membranes

Normally, membranes rupture and release amniotic fluid right before or during labor. This is commonly known as the water breaking. Sometimes, the membranes rupture too early and expose the infant to infection.

5. Umbilical Cord Prolapse

An umbilical cord prolapse is very dangerous as it can cut off the oxygen supply to the baby. When the cord prolapses, it precedes the infant into the birth canal. It can sometimes protrude from the vagina. If this occurs, immediate medical attention is essential.

Many deliveries are completed without incident. In some cases, a complicated delivery is due to a medical professional’s negligence. If you believe that you or your child were harmed because of doctor error or negligence, call our team. We will review the details of your case at no cost to you and advise you of your options.

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1. Health History

If you have any conditions that could complicate your pregnancy or delivery, you should ask any doctor you’re are considering if they are experienced caring for patients like you. Will you need to see a specialist? Are there certain precautions you must take? Having an obstetrician that is familiar with your unique needs will not only put you at ease, but help to ensure your safety and that of your unborn child.

2. Outlook

You and your doctor don’t have to have matching thoughts at all times, but you should have the same outlook on labor and delivery. Gauge the doctor’s attitude about the things that are important to you. For example, you may want to discuss natural birth, fetal monitoring and epidurals. You may want to determine how comfortable the doctor will be with having a doula or members of your family supporting you during delivery.

3. Compatibility

Childbirth is as stressful as it is exciting. The best obstetrician for you is one that you are comfortable with. Do you find it easy to speak to the doctor? Do you feel like the doctor is explaining things clearly? The obstetrician should be interested in you personally and they should respect your wishes. If you have what feels like a personality conflict with the doctor, keep looking.

Finding the perfect doctor is not an easy thing to do, but finding the perfect doctor for you can be done with some work. Use the tips above as a springboard for finding the right obstetrician for you and your unborn child.

If you believe that you have been harmed during childbirth or that your infant suffered a birth injury, please call our office. We will review the details of your case at no cost to you and advise you of the options you have under law. Call today or browse our website for more information about our firm and how we can assist you and your family.

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Educating your special needs child may not be as simple as enrolling them in public school and putting them on the bus. You have a variety of options for your child, and one of these options may be better suited to your little one’s needs than another. Knowing these options can help you determine what is right for your child.

Self-Contained

In a self-contained school, your child is in a classroom with children of special needs. Your little one will receive instruction from intervention specialists. This may be right for your child, but consider that he or she will have very little chance to interact with typically-abled children.

Mixed

You can also find special-education schools that welcome children without disabilities. All children are mixed in one classroom, while your child still gets specialized attention.

Traditional

In a traditional school, your child is mainstreamed into a typical classroom but will receive special services. The programs may be modified to meet your child’s needs. These special services may include speech, occupational or physical therapy.

Knowing what is right for your child can be difficult without arming yourself with knowledge. Visit several different schools that offer different programming. Ask about the curriculum and instruction your child will be exposed to, and discuss how your child’s IEP goals will be met. Look at class size and the student-to-teacher ratio. When you take the time to do these things, you can be sure that you have chosen the best possible educational option for your child at this time.

If you believe that your child was injured at birth, please call our office. A member of our team will review the details of your case at no cost to you and advise you of your options. Browse our website for more information about how we can assist you and your family.

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Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most common birth injuries in the United States, but very little has been written about the financial costs associated with it. Caring for infants and children with cerebral palsy can be very expensive and, in a majority of cases, that care does not end when the child reaches adulthood.

Family Expenses

The average lifetime family expense associated with CP can be close to a million dollars. Children who have additional, associated disabilities, will cost more. Children with CP and intellectual disabilities, for example, can cost over $1 million. It is important to remember that each child is different and the necessities of their care will not be the same.

Economic Expenses

It is estimated that people with CP will lose $9.241 billion in total over their lifetime. This accounts for a loss of work, early mortality, and loss of work production. There is an additional $1.175 billion that is directed at medical expenses, and just over $1 billion for special education services. It leads to a total of $52 billion in average business and economic expenses for this group of people.

Financial Help

There is financial help for families who are caring for a child with CP.

• Health Insurance: This is a medical necessity. Health insurance may not cover all costs, but it certainly helps.
• Government Assistance: While health insurance covers medical costs, government assistance helps with the costs of living.
• Charity Assistance: There are a variety of groups that help people who have been affected by disorder and disability. These include United Cerebral Palsy (UCP), American Foundation of Disabled Children, and Easter Seals.

Caring for a child with cerebral palsy is expensive. The financial truths are not meant to turn these people into numbers, but are disclosed so that families can budget and plan accordingly. Financial stresses should not be a major factor in raising a special needs child.

If you believe that your child was affected by birth injury or trauma, please call our office. We have experienced lawyers who can help you. Your first consultation is free and we will advise you whether you have the potential to succeed in a court of law. Call now.

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1. Uterine Infection

After a c-section, many women contract an infection of the membrane lining of the uterus. This is called endometritis and can cause uterine pain, fever, and foul-smelling vaginal discharge.

2. Increased Bleeding

It makes sense that a surgical procedure would leave you at an increased risk for bleeding. While transfusions are rarely needed, excessive bleeding is more common with a c-section than a traditional birth.

3. Anesthesia Reactions

People can have adverse reactions to anesthesia no matter what the procedure is. For some women who have undergone a c-section, a severe headache may be experienced when they are in the upright position. This can occur for several days after the delivery.

4. Blood Clots

Blood clots can be especially dangerous. Those that form in the pelvic organs or legs can travel to the lungs. Your risk is greater after a c-section than after a vaginal delivery. Your doctor should get you up and walking as soon as possible to prevent clots from forming.

5. Infection

Infections are more common in c-sections than in vaginal deliveries. The infections suffered after a c-section are typically around the incision site or in the uterus.

No birth is without its risks, but most women’s bodies are designed for the birthing process. A c-section is a risky procedure that should be avoided when possible. Do a fair amount of research before you head to the hospital to give birth and know when a c-section is called for. If you believe that a doctor is ordering a c-section too soon or for unnecessary reasons, don’t be afraid to speak up.

If you suffered illness or injury as the result of a c-section, call our office. We are here to provide you with a free case evaluation. We will provide you with your options and advise you as to your next steps. Call now.

1. Choose Your Doctor Wisely

You want to be very careful when choosing your OB/GYN for a variety of reasons. Your health, your child’s health and your successful birthing process are all great reasons to be picky when it comes to your doctor. Before you make a final choice, find out about the provider’s c-section rate. If it is high, you may want to continue your search.

2. Take a Childbirth Class

Sign up for an independent childbirth class. You do not have to take a class that is offered by your medical care provider’s employer. Independent courses are typically more in-depth with more interaction. A good instructor will help you get to know and trust your body.

3. Avoid Induction

Avoid being induced if at all possible. Studies have shown that being induced doubles your chances of a c-section. While there are some instances where induction cannot be avoided, there are many instances when it can.

4. Stay Home

If you are planning a hospital birth, stay home until you are in strong, active labor. Your childbirth instructor will teach you how to recognize the signs, allowing you to better determine when you should really be heading to the hospital. The longer you are at the hospital, the higher your chances for c-section.

5. Avoid an Epidural

You don’t have to forego the epidural altogether, but try to not accept one early in labor. There will come a time when an epidural cannot be given due to the stage in your labor, but a good medical professional knows when it is too early and when it is too late.

If you believe that you were given a c-section that could have been avoided and your child’s or your health suffered as a result, contact our office. We will provide you with a free case evaluation and advise you of your options. Call today.

The human brain is a virtual machine. It helps us make decisions, process information and create works of imagination. It also keeps us alive. As it is developing, the brain is incredibly fragile and any disruption in that development can cause lifelong health impairments.

One of these impairments is microcephaly. The brain does not develop at a normal rate or reach a typical size. Children with this condition have heads that are small than those of peers the same gender and age. Not only is the head smaller, but children may be dealt a host of complications including developmental delays and cognitive deficits.

Microcephaly can have genetic components or be caused by medical negligence or error. For example, a lack of oxygen to the developing fetal brain can lead to this condition. The condition is a rare one, affecting only about 25,000 infants each year.

While microcephaly and its symptoms and complications can vary with child, one thing is always true: There is no cure for the condition. There are several ways that children can be treated and, in the best cases, those with proper treatment lead incredibly normal lives.

If your child’s pediatrician gives a diagnosis of microcephaly, you can expect to be seen by specialists and therapists. These medical professionals will help provide treatment to your child and give you realistic expectations as to what your child will deal with as they grow.

There is little doubt that you were expecting a normal birth and a typical child when you found out you were pregnant. Do not let the diagnosis of microcephaly dash the dreams you had for your child. With the right treatments and therapies, many children with microcephaly develop in a close to normal way.

If your child was diagnosed with microcephaly and a genetic component has been ruled out, you may have a case for medical malpractice. Call our office now for a free case evaluation and let us tell you how we can assist your family. Our team is here for you and your child. Call now or browse our website for more information about our firm.

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Mild Brain Damage

Most infants are able to fully recover from mild brain damage with the right treatments and therapies. It can take years to recover in some instances, and your child may seem to be recovering only to take two steps backward. That said, this is completely normal, and most children do recover.

Some infants, however, have mild brain injuries that result in permanent damage. The impairments may not be obvious right away and take years to develop. Sometimes you won’t know that your child has a disability until they enter school. Children who have mild brain injuries at birth are more likely to have learning disabilities, impaired cognitive function and behavioral problems.

Severe Brain Damage

If your infant is subjected to severe brain damage at birth and is not treated quickly, there may be additional brain damage after birth or even death. In the case of severe brain damage, your child may be treated with surgery and medication. The outcome depends on how quickly the patient was treated and how they respond to treatment given. Long-term prognosis for children with severe brain damage at birth is guarded. These children often deal with a variety of physical, psychological and cognitive disabilities.

No matter what type of brain damage your child suffered, you have a right to be worried. You also have a right to compensation if the brain injury was due to negligence on the part of a medical professional.

If you believe that your child was injured during birth due to someone’s negligence, call our office. A member of our team will provide you with a free case evaluation and advise you of your options. You are not alone. Call now.

Finding out that your child has Autism can be stressful. Although the exact causes of Autism are, for the most part, unknown, there is a chance that your child could have developed Autism during your pregnancy due to negligence on the part of your medical provider. Before you seek out the advice of an attorney, it is important to understand just what Autism is.

Symptoms

Autism affects the emotional, intellectual and mental health of a child. It affects a child’s typical brain function. Cognitive functions are typically delayed, and your child may experience deficits in social behaviors. People with Autism may be more sensitive to light, sound and temperature, and can have sensory problems. Symptoms such as these usually become evident between the ages of 3 and 4.

Communication

Because Autism directly affects that way a child communicates without words, children have trouble in social environments. Some are inflexible, refusing to deviate from normal routines and schedules. People with Autism typically have difficulty adjusting to change.

Causes

Autism has been linked to a variety of factors. These include allergies to food, genetics, toxins in the environment, immune deficiencies and even vaccines. Why some children develop Autism and some do not remains largely unknown.

If your child has developed Autism, you may want to consider contacting an attorney. He or she can review your child’s medical records and discuss their behaviors and conditions with you. An attorney experienced in medical malpractice law may be able to help you determine if you have a claim for negligence against a medical professional.

If your child has been diagnosed with Autism and you believe the cause could be medical negligence, reach out to our team. We will review your case and help you determine if you may have a claim for negligence. Contact us now and let us provide you with your options.

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If your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy shortly after birth, there is little doubt that you experienced feelings of anxiety and sadness. It is not unusual. You expected a healthy baby and had already been planning for its future. Those dreams have been altered, and you are left wondering how you will provide a level of care for your child that you were not expecting necessary.

Many families who have a child with cerebral palsy choose to file lawsuits for medical malpractice. If you have chosen to do the same, you may be wondering what will happen once your lawsuit is filed. Here is a bit of what you need to know.

Once you have filed your lawsuit, your attorney will start to build your case. All important documents will be gathered as well as evidence that will be needed to win your case. Your attorney will want you to keep track of all of your child’s medical appointments and documentation. You cannot provide your attorney with too much information.

It is important to understand that your case may not be settled quickly. Cerebral palsy lawsuits are intricate and can take years to settle, especially if they go to trial. Here are the steps you can expect your lawsuit to take.

1. Complaint is sent to defendant.
2. Pre-trial litigation begins.
3. The case goes to trial, or
4. The case is settled out of court.

Your attorney will keep you apprised of the proceedings throughout every step in the process. Once you win your lawsuit, your attorney will advise you how to retrieve your compensation. Again, the process may not be a quick one, but it will be in your child’s best interest to see it through.

If you believe that your child was injured during the birthing process, our team of attorneys is here for you. Reach out to our office today and let us review the details of your case. We will provide you with an initial consultation at no cost. Call now or browse our website for more information about our firm and how we can assist you.

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When a child suffers a birth injury due to the error or negligence of medical professionals, they are dealt a lifetime of consequences. As a parent, you are placed into a type of caregiver roll that you did not expect. Whether your child was diagnosed with cerebral palsy or another birth injury, you have a right to be concerned.

In instances such as birth injury, parents often file a medical malpractice lawsuit, and rightfully so. Your child will probably outlive you. They will require care past the time that you will be able to physically provide it. They may need help with personal hygiene, mobility, grooming, eating and more. Who will provide for your child when you cannot?

When you file a medical malpractice lawsuit, you may receive a settlement. It is not unusual for a hospital to settle out of court, especially when the victim has a strong case. But what happens to the money?

In most cases, your best option is to establish a special needs trust. This will allow your child to continue to receive government benefits like Medicaid and social security. The settlement will accrue interest, and when your child is of age, they will begin to receive monthly allowances that will allow for them or their caregivers to provide the necessities, including medical care, therapies, rent or mortgage payments and more.

Setting up the settlement in this manner will allow you to provide for your child before payments kick in. You will be able to withdraw money to pay for necessary home renovations, vehicles that are wheelchair accessible and products and services that will benefit and enrich your child’s life.

The best options for you and your family are not always clear. This is where you will benefit from an experienced medical malpractice attorney. Your attorney can not only help you win a verdict or settlement, but help you determine the best course of action as it pertains to the handling of the settlement monies.

Call our offices today if your child has been the victim of birth injury. We will discuss your case with you and advise you of your options. Call us for more information about how we can help you and your family. Your first consultation is free.

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Benefits of Support

When you join a support group, you are surrounded by people who are dealing with similar events. Sharing experiences can be cathartic. Attendees of support groups feel less judged within their new circle than they do from the outside world. You and your family are finally with people that understand your thoughts and feelings.

Through a support group, you may be exposed to resources that you would otherwise not have discovered. You can share resources with other families. You may also get a clearer picture of what you will be dealing with in the future.

What is Available?

There are a variety of support groups available to parents and families. Some are available for specific birth injuries, some are related to malpractice, and some will help you deal with your new role as a caregiver. You can also find support groups that are for individuals who have suffered with birth injuries. No matter what it is that you are looking for, you can find a group of people that will assist you.

How to Find a Support Group

When your child is first diagnosed, you will often be guided to support groups associated with the hospital. You may also find groups online through social media. Even a simple Google search will help you locate support groups in your area. Groups want members. They want to help people. It will not be difficult for you to locate a group that meets your family’s needs.

If you believe that your child suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence or error, call our office. A member of our team will review the details of your case at no cost to you and advise you how to best proceed. Call us now or browse our website for more information about our firm and how we can assist your family.

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As you begin to prepare for the delivery of your child, you are excited, anxious and perhaps a little bit stressed. It is no surprise. You are about to embark on one of the most thrilling journeys of your life: parenthood. The closer you get to your due date, the more prepared you become. You are building a nursery, gathering clothing and necessary supplies, and mentally preparing yourself for life with an infant. The last thing you are thinking about is a birth injury.

Unfortunately, thousands of newborns fall victim to birth injury. If your doctor has not spoken with you about which infants are most at risk, read on. While any newborn can be injured at birth, there are factors that increase your child’s risk greatly.

Size

When a baby is too large or a mother is too small, complications can arise. When the infant and mother are not in proportion, a healthy, vaginal birth may not be an option. When the size of the baby or mother is not taken into account, the baby can remain in the birth canal for an extended period of time, causing distress. Unnecessary birth injuries may be the result of a prolonged labor and delivery.

Abnormal Position

Close to a week before your delivery date, your doctor should be able to determine the position of your baby. Breech or face-first presentations are considered abnormal, and both of these positions put your baby at risk of birth injury. A C-section may be your option of choice in these instances.

Premature Delivery

Any infant born before 37 weeks gestation is considered premature. These infants are at an increased risk for birth injury. If your doctor suspects that you are at risk to delivery prematurely, steps should be taken to assist you in carrying your infant to term.

The most common birth injuries that occur in a premature delivery are fractures, lacerations and oxygen deprivation.

If you believe that you or your baby are at risk for birth complications or you simply have questions about those risks, speak to your doctor. If you have already delivered and your child was injured, speak with an attorney.

Call our offices today for assistance. A member of our team will review your case at no cost to you and advise you of your options. You have rights and so does your child. Call us now or browse our website for more information about how our firm can assist your family.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Brain Injury Association of America (BIA), one of the leading causes of permanent disability or death in newborns and toddlers is traumatic brain injury. Brain damage can be caused by difficulties during the birthing process or from a doctor’s negligence during delivery. It is important to understand the symptoms of infant brain damage in order to help your child to the best of your ability.

Signs of Brain Damage

Signs of brain damage in infants can be detected just after birth. While not always present in infants who have brain damage, some of the more common symptoms that appear shortly after birth are:

• Too large forehead
• Spine that is abnormally shaped
• Abnormal facial features
• Neck stiffness
• Troubles sleeping
• Crying excessively
• Feeding issues
• Fussiness without cause

Developmental Delays

Some symptoms of brain damage are not immediately evident. Some signs of traumatic brain injury are apparent later as the child begins to develop. These may present as cognitive, physical, perceptual, emotional and behavioral delays. A pediatrician will be able to tell you if your child is developing at a normal rate.

Diagnosing Brain Damage

Diagnosing brain damage is typically done by an MRI or CT head scan, along with recognizing the symptoms. Medical images of the brain can show hemorrhages or skull fractures. A CT scan is not often performed on children under 2 years of age.

Treatment

Different methods of treatment may be offered, depending on the extent of the injury and the disabilities, if any, that are present. Some treatment options may include surgery, rehabilitative therapies, acute treatments, medication, and adaptive devices.

The ultimate prognosis for brain damage depends on how severely the child is affected. Your child’s medical team will determine the best course of action for his or her specific diagnosis and needs.

If you believe that your child was injured at the hands of a doctor during or immediately after the birthing process, please reach out to our team. We are here to help you and your family move forward. Call now for a free case evaluation.

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When children are expected and ultimately born, families have reason for celebration. A new life is always brings hope and joy. Unfortunately, birth injuries affect thousands of families each day. From minor injuries that heal on their own to serious injuries with lifelong consequences, birth issues arise everyday in hospitals across the country.

At the law firm of Bottar Law, we have been handling birth injury cases for years. We know how to hold doctors accountable for negligence and find justice for the families that are affected by these tragedies. Our medical malpractice team will fight to ensure that you are provided with the compensation you are due.

Long-Term Effects

Depending on the type of birth injury your child has sustained, he or she may be faced with lasting physical, emotional or cognitive impairments. This can require that your family pay for physical and rehabilitative care, special schooling, or assistive care. In some cases, you may even have to modify your home to meet the needs of your child.

These consequences of birth injury can cause an emotional and financial strain on your family. Providing adequate care for your child can take substantial resources, and you may be wondering how you will be able to provide for your child’s care. If we can prove your case, you will not have the financial worries that you are faced with now. If your child’s injury was due to negligence, you should not be forced to pay for those injuries out of your own pocket.

If your child has suffered a birth injury at the hands of a medical professional, call our offices today. Our team will review the details of your case and provide you with your options. Call now or browse our website for more information about our firm and how we can assist you.

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Any obstetrician you are considering should be interviewed. You can compare answers to determine who will be the best for you and your unborn child. Some of the questions to ask are:

1. How long have you been practicing?
2. How many babies have you delivered?
3. How will you monitor my baby during delivery?
4. Do you have skill at interpreting fetal heart rate tracings?
5. If not, will someone who is skilled be present during my labor and delivery?
6. If my baby shows signs of distress, how will delivery be handled?
7. Will there be two physicians should my baby and I both experience distress?
8. What are the risks and benefits the various drugs used during labor and delivery?
9. What are the benefits and risks to C-section?

These are all questions that you have a right to ask of any doctor who will be handling your labor and delivery. It is not to say that the right answers will ensure a safe delivery, but knowing that you can trust your doctor should complications arise should make your more comfortable.

If you believe that your child has been permanently injured due to negligence during the birthing process, please call our offices. A member of our team will review the details of your case and advise you how to proceed. Call now or browse our website for more information about our firm.