Understanding Placenta Previa

Birth Injuries Can Lead to Neonatal Death

Even with today’s medical advancements, birth injuries still occur at an alarming rate.  It has been estimated that as many as 6 to 8 injuries occur per 1,000 live births.  Some of these injuries can be prevented and should never have occurred in the first place.

Birth trauma occurs when an infant is injured from mechanical forces, including compression or traction, during the birth process.  The majority of birth traumas have a good prognosis and the injuries heal themselves.  Almost half of birth injuries are avoidable, as long as certain risk factors are identified.

Birth injury cases often involve factors such as prematurity, breech delivery, prolonged labor and fetal anomalies.  Sometimes birth injuries, such as shoulder dystocia, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy or cerebral palsy, are caused by doctor error or a hospital mistake.  In these situations, delayed C-section, misuse of forceps or vacuum extraction, lack of oxygen or delayed birth are frequently to blame, which are generally preventable medical errors.

If your child has sustained a birth injury, you may be able to pursue a medical malpractice case against the medical provider who caused the injury.  You should contact an experienced Kentucky medical malpractice attorney at the Law Office of Schachter, Hendy & Johnson at (859) 578-4444 or (888) 606-5297.  The law firm represents injured victims in Ohio and Kentucky and has over 35 years of experience.