Lexington Birth Injury Lawyers

Bringing a child into this world is a joyous occasion. For many couples, having children gives them the opportunity to continue their legacy long after they are gone. Unfortunately, there are times when giving birth can be a traumatic experience, making parents fear for their child’s health and general well-being.

Our Lexington birth injury lawyers are here to help families recover the compensation that is rightfully theirs following a physician’s negligence.

Overview of Birth Injuries

Each year, approximately 7 in every 1,000 children are born with a birth injury. A birth injury occurs when an infant experiences an injury during delivery. There are various reasons why birth injuries occur, with some conditions being temporary and others being permanent.

Common causes of birth injuries include:

Maternal Conditions

The mother’s pelvis is not conducive to vaginal delivery: If the mother has a small pelvis, the baby may not be able to fit properly. This will cause the infant to twist and turn, which increases the potential for oxygen deprivation.
Difficult labor or delivery: If the baby is not positioned properly or the cervix does not dilate properly, this can pose challenges during delivery.
Failure to progress: Labor that lasts for more than 25 hours (or 20 hours if this is a second or subsequent child) is often associated with higher rates of birth injuries.

Infant Conditions

Fetal macrosomia: Birth injuries are more common in babies that weigh over 8 pounds and 13 ounces.
Premature babies: An infant’s muscles and nervous system are not fully developed until the 37th week of pregnancy. Babies that are born before reaching the gestational age of 37 weeks are more likely to develop neurological conditions, heart defects, and even breathing problems.

Obstetricians are specifically trained to identify and handle these conditions during delivery. A physician who fails to handle the situation with the care required should be held liable for any wrongful actions or inaction.

Physician’s Error Causing Birth Injuries

Not all infants enter the world seamlessly. Although not all medical conditions can be prevented, it is up to a physician to act quickly to avoid further complications.

Examples of birth injuries resulting from a physician’s negligence include:

Delay or failure to order a cesarean section (C-section): If the labor is not progressing, the fetus is in distress, or there is a prolapsed umbilical cord, a C-section is often necessary. A physician should be held responsible for his or her failure to order a C-section in a timely manner.

Improper use of delivery assistance tools: Some births require the use of forceps or vacuum extractions to guide the baby out of the birth canal. Physicians need to be trained in the use of these tools. Even if a physician is properly trained, there is an increased risk of brain damage associated with using these delivery aids.

Speak with Our Lexington Birth Injury Lawyers Today

A baby who experiences a birth injury may require round-the-clock. This entails numerous visits to specialists, resulting in costly medical bills. If your baby was given inadequate care during a time when it mattered most, our Lexington birth injury lawyers want to hear from you. To schedule your free consultation, contact us online or by phone.