When you deliver your child in the hospital, you’re trusting the medical care team to keep your child safe and ensure that they’re as healthy as possible when they’re born. Though this is what happens in most instances, accidents can lead to birth injuries that may have lifelong consequences for your child if not treated immediately and properly. Some birth injuries are more severe than others, and knowing which types of injuries require treatment can help you hold your medical care providers accountable with help from a Pennsylvania birth injury attorney. Here’s what you need to know.
The Types of Birth Injuries That Need Treatment
There are dozens of birth injuries that can happen even with the most experienced medical team overseeing your child’s birth. But some require immediate treatment to protect your child’s well-being and health in the long run. These are some of the injuries that you should immediately seek medical treatment for.
Bone Fractures
Bone fractures can happen due to tight birth canals or mishandling of your child during delivery. Though fractures will eventually heal, they need immediate medical attention if the bones are to heal correctly. In most cases, the bones will need to be reset and splinted or placed in a cast to keep your child from unintentionally making the injury worse. Failure to properly set the bones and immobilize them until they’re healed can result in ongoing pain.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage is often caused by excess pressure from forceps during delivery. In most cases, nerve damage is minor and can heal on its own. But in more severe instances, it may require medical intervention. Leaving it untreated can lead to lifelong health concerns. If you or your child experienced nerve damage in the hospital, the best thing you can do is push for treatment. Be your own advocate and make sure you’re given the care and attention you deserve.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a condition that can result from certain birth injuries, and in most cases, the symptoms your child will experience if diagnosed will be life-long. While there’s no cure for the condition, symptoms can be lessened with therapy and certain treatments. Cerebral palsy can be caused by the following:
- Oxygen deprivation
- Breech birth position
- Poor or improper use of forceps
- Head injuries
- Brain infections
Individually, these birth injuries require treatment to give your child the best chance at recovering. But if they’re diagnosed with cerebral palsy later on, you may need to seek the care of a specialist.
Brain Injuries
Brain injuries can occur as birth defects, often caused by factors like lack of oxygen during delivery or exposure to harmful substances in the womb. These injuries can lead to a range of lifelong challenges, including developmental delays, learning difficulties, and physical disabilities. Early and ongoing treatment is crucial for managing symptoms, maximizing potential, and improving quality of life for individuals with these conditions.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can cause growth and development problems, pain, and in some cases, paralysis. Injuries may include fractures, twisting, overstretching, bruises, and tears. Though most injuries can heal on their own with moderate care, others may require surgery. These injuries can happen even when the medical care team is being as careful as possible. But if the medical team breached their duty of care during the delivery and the injury resulted from that lack of care, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the hospital and the medical care team.
You May Be Able to Get Compensation for Those Treatments
If your child’s birth injuries require extensive medical treatment, you may be able to get compensation to help cover the cost of those treatments, both now and in the future. To do so, you’ll need to file a lawsuit against the hospital and your doctors involved in the birth.
Keep in mind that not all birth injuries will qualify for a lawsuit. This is why it’s so important to schedule a consultation with an experienced Pennsylvania birth injury attorney as soon as possible. Contact Latona Law today to discuss your case and see if your child’s injuries may make you eligible for a lawsuit.