Was Your Baby Injured At Birth?
Injuries that occur to infants before, during and immediately after labor and delivery can have a lifelong impact on their physical and cognitive development. Obstetricians, nurses and other health care professionals need to make quick decisions that may ultimately affect the quality of life for the baby. At Oliver & Reichel, P.A., we represent parents and their newborns who have suffered a birth trauma. We understand that parents in these situations may be experiencing a range of emotions — joy over the birth of their new son or daughter mixed with confusion and even anger over how such a mistake could have happened.
If your infant suffered a birth injury, please call an attorney from Oliver & Reichel, P.A., to arrange a complimentary case evaluation: 913-826-6202. We use our vast experience to provide injured people with a voice and an opportunity to be heard.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a brain injury that can occur when a fetus does not receive adequate oxygen. A physician or nurse’s failure to recognize fetal distress in the form of lack of oxygen can result in permanent cerebral injuries. When a fetus is in distress, it is often the standard of care to perform a Cesarean section. Failure to perform the C-section in a timely manner, when the baby is in distress, puts the infant at risk for permanent cerebral injuries. Babies born with such brain injuries face mild to severe impairments. Our firm works closely with experts in the medical profession to determine the future medical costs. We seek compensation that provides your child with a high quality of life, as well as adequate medical care.
Infections In The Mother
While generally not dangerous for the mother, a Group B strep infection in a fetus can have tragic results. Although entirely preventable via proper treatment, this bacteria is the number one cause of meningitis in babies. Meningitis can damage the central brainstem, resulting in blindness, walking and talking impairments, and even death.
Birth Trauma
Birth injuries can occur because of trauma to both mother and child. In babies, injuries can include fractured clavicles and shoulder dystocia. Shoulder dystocia is a potentially permanent disability caused by damage to the brachial plexus and generally occurs when a baby is too large for the birth canal. Shoulder dystocia is preventable, as obstetricians are aware of potential risk factors, including the size of the baby and if the mother has a “flat” pelvis. If a physician fails to respond to the warning signs, a baby can be injured, such that the nerves in the shoulder, arm, elbow and forearm are permanently affected. Sadly, children often lose the use of the affected arm.
If your child has suffered a birth injury, contact Oliver & Reichel, P.A., online or call our lawyers at 913-826-6202 to learn your legal options.