Misuse of baby delivery tools in Philadelphia can lead to preventable birth injuries. When your baby experiences a preventable birth injury, you may experience a wide range of emotions, such as anger, frustration, sadness, grief, and guilt. You do not have to face your child’s injury alone.
The medical professional who misused the tools should take responsibility for the injury. They should be liable for damages covering the child’s future medical expenses, loss of earning potential, and intangible injuries like pain and suffering. An experienced birth injury attorney can help you understand the role of a malpractice claim in seeking compensation for your baby.
Baby Delivery Tools
One of the reasons for improved maternal and neonatal survival rates is the use of baby delivery tools. The two most common tools are the vacuum extractor and the forceps. However, doctors must use these tools carefully. They can lead to injury or even death of the baby when misused. It can be difficult for parents to know whether a doctor or medical professional misused these tools. Rarely will doctors acknowledge making an error. In fact, they may not even be aware of misuse at the time because the damages may not be immediately apparent.
Misuse of baby delivery tools in Philadelphia can lead to injuries to the head and brain. The two most common errors are exerting too much force or misplacing the tools on the baby’s head. These errors can lead to skull fractures, neurological damage, brain damage, brain bleeds, cerebral palsy, and more.
When the tools are misused on other parts of the body, it can lead to Erb’s palsy. Erb’s palsy refers to an injury to the brachial plexus, where the nerves lead from the spine to the neck, shoulder, and arm area. Brachial plexus injuries may self-correct in the first few months but could require medical intervention.
What Parents Should Do If They Suspect a Birth Injury
Some birth injuries are apparent in the hospital, but many are not. Parents may notice listlessness, apparent pain, and other developmental issues. These signs may appear at birth or become apparent in the weeks and months following the baby’s birth. The first thing a parent should do is seek medical attention for the injury. Depending on the nature of the injury, the baby will probably need to see a medical specialist. Pediatric neurologists are often indispensable in diagnosing birth injuries that impact the nerves or brain development.
Once the baby has a diagnosis, parents should begin investigating the causes of the injury. Attorneys can help people access and understand the medical records for prenatal care, labor, and delivery. Frequently, lawyers will use experts in Philadelphia to help them understand whether anything in the records indicates misuse of baby delivery tools that led to an injury.
Talk to an Attorney About the Misuse of Baby Delivery Tools in Philadelphia
The state gives a child up to 20 years to file a medical malpractice claim. However, the longer you wait to bring a claim, the more difficult it can be to access the proof you need to establish negligence. As soon as you suspect that misuse of baby delivery tools in Philadelphia led to your child’s injuries, you should consult with attorneys. By scheduling a free consultation, you can learn more about the potential remedies available for your family.
