Birth Trauma Resulting in Lifelong Injuries
Traumatic Birth Injury Lawyers in Washington DC
Washington D.C. birth injury lawyers are often called upon to counsel parents with children who have experienced birth trauma of one type or another. This is because the long-term effects of birth injuries can be significantly debilitating and very costly to the family.
Approximately 27 out of every 1000 live births involve some type of birth trauma injury, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. These injuries include the following:
- Birth trauma
- Brachial plexus palsies (Erbs and Klumpkes palsies)
- Central nervous system injuries
- Cerebral palsy
- Musculoskeletal injuries (fractured collar bone or arm)
- Neonatal-infantile respiratory distress stillbirth
- Obstetric accidents (forceps, vacuum cup and cesarean deliveries)
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
According to a study published in the Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapy, birth trauma is under-publicized and under-treated, and more efforts need to be taken to prevent its occurrence. Approximate lifetime costs for birth injuries can be one million dollars or more, but this number varies by the severity of the injury.
Prevention OF BIRTH INJURIES IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Injuries that occur during delivery can often be prevented, making it all the more frustrating that they occur at all. Some injuries are due to actions taken, and others from inaction. In either case, a birth injury lawyer can help you understand how to get compensation for you child's injuries.
There are known medical protocols that doctors, nurses, other support staff, and hospitals need to follow in difficult deliveries. But in many instances, healthy infants are injured due to mistakes, negligence, malpractice and errors in judgment. Injuries can be caused by inadequate oxygen, misuse of medical instruments, waiting too long before performing a cesarean section or improper monitoring of the vital signs in both mother and baby.
There is considerable debate on the benefits and drawbacks of cesarean sections versus natural (vaginal delivery) birth. If a doctor waits too long before performing a c-section, there may already be trauma to the child. Even when a c-section is prudently timed, there is risk of injury to the child from the incision.
Patients put their trust in healthcare providers expecting a high level of medical skill, knowledge and care. When a reasonable level of professionalism has not been met, it is a reason to contact a Washington D.C. birth injury lawyer, someone who is experienced with birth injuries, medical injury law and the court system. The expenses over a lifetime for a child with birth trauma injuries can total over $1 million.
BIRTH INJURY LAWYERS ARE Prepared to help
We understand the emotional toll a birth injury can take on your family. Strength in experience, legal ability, and attention to detail are the hallmarks of Nash & Associates. Call the firm at 202-327-5498 or toll-free at 800-690-7895, or contact us online to schedule your initial consultation.
