People hear the words “birth injury” and think that this is something that only occurs in the third world countries or in rural areas—places that are completely void of modern medicine. Most people are completely shocked to learn that birth injuries do happen in the United States and in modern hospitals. The fact of the matter is that birth injuries are common across the entire country, including the greater Kansas City area. Sadly, even in today’s high-tech world mothers and babies die during or after childbirth.
If you are scratching your head thinking that simply is not possible, it is true. While medical advancements have made childbirth a normal, non-life threatening event, deadly mistakes can and do happen. Medical mistakes, also known as medical malpractice, do occur and sadly, no hospital is immune to human error. Even procedures like Caesarian sections (more commonly referred to as C-sections) which most women would say are as safe, or safer, than a traditional vaginal birth—can be linked to birth injuries. The following are the most common birth related injuries linked to C-sections:
- Fetal Lacerations: Fetal lacerations or small cuts or nicks found on the baby can occur during a C-section. This type of injury is usually minor in nature, but serious lacerations can occur. Injuries of this nature usually occur more in emergency or delayed C-sections than in pre-planned procedures. However, lacerations can also be the result of an inexperienced or incompetent doctor.
- Delayed C-section injuries: While some C-Sections are planned in advance, others are made close to the time of delivery. Often a doctor orders a C-section when certain factors present that would make a vaginal delivery too risky for either mother or baby. If a doctor fails to recognize complications that would make a traditional birth dangerous too late, a delayed C-section can result in injuries to the baby. These injuries include physical injuries and oxygen deprivation. A baby who does not receive adequate oxygen can suffer brain damage. Lack of oxygen can also be linked to serious conditions like cerebral palsy.
- Fetal breathing problems: Infants who are delivered through C-section are at a higher risk of breathing problems. After delivery, babies born via C-section need to be monitored carefully for breathing problems. Failure to diagnosis and treat a breathing problem could cause respiratory distress syndrome or even long-term health problems.
In addition to the above, the mother is also at risk of the following:
- Anesthesia Injuries: Any time a woman in labor is given general anesthesia or an epidural and spinal anesthesia there is a risk of complications. Poor reactions to anesthesia can include: internal bleeding, blood clots, extremely low blood pressure, placenta previa, placenta abruption and severe headaches.
- Surgical Errors: Surgical errors can occur doing a C-section but are usually quite rare. These types of errors can include injury to pelvic organs such as cutting of the bladder.
- Infection
- Blood clots and hemorrhaging
If you believe your child suffered an injury during or just after his or her birth due to medical negligence, the law firm of Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. can help. The seasoned Kansas City Medical Malpractice Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. understand the devastating impact this kind of injury can have on a family. Our attorneys have helped countless families, in both Kansas and Missouri, fight to obtain just compensation. Trust our team of skilled attorneys to help you make sure that your case is handled from start to finish. Contact Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. today at (816) 472-4673 to schedule an initial consultation with one of our attorneys.