One of the most tragic things that can happen in personal injury law or life itself is a birth injury. No parent wants to see their child potentially harmed forever as a result of a birth injury, and the impact of those injuries does not only harm and devastate the child. When a birth injury occurs, it’s understandable that you want to understand why it happened and if you have potential legal recourse. Do you have a birth injury case in Maryland?
Understanding Birth Defects vs. Birth Injuries
It’s a sensitive topic, but one of the most important things to consider when determining if you have a birth injury case is whether or not the result was a birth defect or a birth injury. Birth defects include things that were inherited, like a genetic abnormality, or things that occurred as a result of exposure to a toxin during pregnancy. Birth defects can include Down syndrome, spina bifida or cleft palates.
Birth injuries are things that were caused due to circumstances during delivery, like a doctor using excessive force during the delivery, a nurse failing to identify signs of fetal distress or the failure to deliver a baby with fetal distress in an efficient fashion. The negligence on behalf of the medical team causes hypoxia in many of these situations, and that lack of oxygen can lead to permanent cognitive or physical injury.
What Damages Are Awarded?
In general, the damages awarded can cover past medical expenses, lost income and out of pocket expenses for caring for the child. Things can become more complicated when projecting future expenses and damages, which is why partnering with an experienced lawyer is so critical. It’s impossible for you to put a monetary value on the pain and suffering you, your child and your family have faced, which is why a lawyer can be essential to presenting your case in a compelling fashion.
What Birth Injuries Can Indicate Medical Malpractice?
Every case differs, but some examples of birth injuries that indicate medical malpractice can include:
- Cerebral palsy
- Brachial plexus injuries
- Brain damage or skull bruising
- Cephalohematoma
- Bone fractures
- Caput succedaneum
- Facial paralysis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Birth asphyxia
Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help with Your Birth Injury Case
If you are seeking assistance in Maryland in the aftermath of your accident or injury and unsure of how to proceed, contact Mobley and Brown, LLP today. Our experienced legal team will work with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.
