Everyone wants their child to be born healthy. It can be especially devastating to learn that they experienced a birth injury. You may be surprised to learn that as many as 7 of every 1000 births result in a birth injury. With so many birth injuries, it is important to identify what is causing them. Here are a few common examples of the types of medical malpractice that can cause a birth injury.
Misusing tools during the birth
The tools used during a forceps or vacuum delivery are commonplace for the procedure, but not without the chance of error. Lack of experience or reckless practice needs only a moment to leave a child with lifelong injuries.
Not properly monitoring the baby
The baby’s heartbeat is often one of the only ways doctors monitor the baby’s condition before it is born. If a provider is not paying attention to the baby’s heartbeat or there is not a system to monitor it, the results can be devastating.
Failure to protect the mother
While the baby is extremely vulnerable during childbirth, the mother is as well. Negligence or recklessness in the birthing room can lead to tearing or hemorrhaging, resulting in the mother’s death.
Avoiding a C-section
A cesarean section is not always necessary for childbirth, but there are times when it is vital to protect the mother, the child, or both of them. Failing to perform a vital C-section can cause both the mother and child to suffer unnecessary injuries.
Too much force during birth
Sometimes, it is necessary to twist or pull the baby to help it along in the birthing process. Applying too much force or pressure to such a small child can cause it to suffer broken limbs, severe bruising, or even death.
Hold hospitals accountable for their actions
A medical malpractice attorney can help you review your situation and determine if there are grounds for a claim. They can also help you secure the best possible outcome to hold reckless medical staff accountable for injuring you or your child.
If you or your child suffered an injury during the birthing process, an Arizona birth injury attorney may be able to help. Contact us today.