Birth asphyxia, also known as perinatal asphyxia, is a serious birth injury that occurs when a newborn baby is deprived of oxygen before, during, or after delivery. While birth asphyxia can occur due to various factors, medical malpractice is often a contributing factor.
Medical Malpractice and Birth Asphyxia
Medical malpractice can contribute to birth asphyxia in several ways, including:
- Failure to monitor fetal heart rate: Healthcare providers have a duty to monitor fetal heart rate during labor and delivery. Failure to do so can lead to delayed detection of fetal distress, increasing the risk of birth asphyxia.
- Delayed delivery: Delayed delivery can cause the baby to become stressed, leading to a decrease in oxygen levels.
- Improper use of medical instruments: Improper use of medical instruments, such as forceps or vacuum extractors, can cause physical trauma to the baby, leading to birth asphyxia.
- Failure to perform a timely C-section: Failure to perform a timely C-section can cause the baby to become stressed, leading to a decrease in oxygen levels.
(Understanding Birth Injuries: Causes, Symptoms and Effects)
Symptoms and Long-Term Effects of Birth Asphyxia
Symptoms of birth asphyxia can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Common symptoms include:
- Low Apgar scores
- Seizures
- Respiratory distress
- Cardiovascular problems
The long-term effects of birth asphyxia can be significant and may include:
- Cerebral palsy
- Developmental delays
- Learning disabilities
- Epilepsy
Seeking Compensation for Birth Asphyxia Caused by Medical Malpractice
If your child has suffered from birth asphyxia due to medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation. A Chicago personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complex process of seeking compensation.
What to Do If Your Child Has Suffered from Birth Asphyxia
If your child has suffered from birth asphyxia, it’s essential to:
- Seek medical attention: Ensure your child receives proper medical attention to address any ongoing health issues.
- Document everything: Keep a record of your child’s medical treatment, including diagnoses, treatments, and medications.
- Consult a Chicago personal injury attorney: Discuss your options for seeking compensation with a Chicago personal injury attorney.
Conclusion
Birth asphyxia is a serious birth injury that can have significant long-term effects. If your child has suffered from birth asphyxia due to medical malpractice, it’s essential to seek compensation. A Chicago personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complex process of seeking compensation.
If you’re looking for an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer to help navigate your claim, we will fight assiduously for your right to the compensation you deserve. Call Bizzieri Law Offices at 773.881.9000. The case evaluation is free, and we never charge a fee unless we recover damages for you.