If you’re pregnant and your baby is born with birth trauma, you may be wondering whether a hospital can be held responsible for the injury your child suffered during birth.

When Can a Hospital Be Liable for Birth Trauma?

When a hospital is responsible for birth trauma to the child and mother, they are typically found liable for medical negligence or malpractice. This type of negligence or malpractice can include errors in prenatal care, errors in labor and delivery, and failure to monitor and treat the mother and baby during delivery. Examples of medical negligence that can lead to birth trauma may include failure to recognize fetal distress or oxygen deprivation, failure to perform an emergency cesarean section, use of forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery, failure to properly monitor and treat the mother and baby during labor, and failure to recognize and treat infections.

Negligence or malpractice leading to birth trauma may be considered a form of medical malpractice and therefore the hospital can be held liable for the injury. In order to prove medical negligence, the injured party (or their parent in the case of a minor) must show that the hospital did not provide the standard of care that would typically be expected from a reasonable medical professional. This standard of care must be specific to the individual case, and the injured party must prove that the hospital breached this standard of care, resulting in the injury. 

In addition to proving medical negligence, the injured party must also prove that the injury was caused by medical negligence. This type of causation is referred to as “proximate cause,” and the injured party must show that the breach in the standard of care was the direct cause of the injury.

When a hospital is found liable for birth trauma, they may be required to compensate the injured party for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Each case is unique and the amount of compensation will vary depending on the specific circumstances. It is important to seek the advice of a qualified attorney if you believe that a hospital is responsible for your or your child’s birth trauma.

What Is Medical Negligence/Malpractice?

Medical negligence, sometimes referred to as medical malpractice, is defined as the failure of a medical professional to provide an accepted standard of care to a patient. This can include errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare or health management. It can also include the failure to obtain patient consent for a medical procedure or the failure to adequately explain a procedure or its risks to a patient.

When medical negligence or malpractice occurs, it can result in physical harm, emotional distress, financial losses, or even death. Some examples of medical negligence or malpractice include misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, failure to provide appropriate medical treatment, failure to follow a standard of care, surgical errors, or prescribing the wrong medication.

When a patient believes that their injury or illness was caused by medical negligence or malpractice, they have the right to seek legal action. In such situations, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney to help ensure that the patient’s rights are protected and that they receive the compensation they deserve. By filing a claim, it can help to prevent other patients from suffering from similar medical negligence in the future.

Conditions Caused By Birth Trauma

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that can cause physical impairments like muscle weakness and spasticity, as well as cognitive impairments such as difficulty with communication, learning, and self-care. It is a lifelong condition that has no cure, but can be managed with physical therapy, medication, and adaptive equipment.

Developmental delays refer to delays in specific areas of development, such as language, motor, or social skills. These delays can be caused by a variety of factors, including birth trauma, and can have a significant impact on a child’s life.

Physical deformities can be caused by birth trauma, and can range from minor malformations to more severe deformities such as club foot or cleft palate. In some cases, these deformities can be corrected through surgery or other treatments.

Cognitive impairments are caused by damage to the brain and can include difficulty with memory, language, problem-solving, and other executive functions. These impairments can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life.

When To Talk To A Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or your child has suffered an injury due to a medical professional’s negligence, it is important to speak with a personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options when it comes to seeking compensation for your losses. A lawyer can also provide advice on how to proceed with filing a medical malpractice claim, answer any questions you may have, and help you build your case. With their help, you can fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

If you or your child has suffered from birth trauma as a result of medical negligence or malpractice, speak with a personal injury lawyer. An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, and can provide advice on how to proceed with filing a claim. By fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve, you can help to prevent other patients from suffering in the future.