Birth Defects and Injuries | d'Oliveira & Associates

Birth defects and birth injuries are a source of pain, suffering and sadness for families and can lead to tremendous financial and emotional stress. A successful medical malpractice claim can help a family to overcome these costs and provide the injured child with the necessary medical care and attention. If you believe that medical malpractice has caused your loved one to suffer from a birth defect or injury, please call d’Oliveira & Associates today.

Birth defects occur prior to the birth of the baby, while the baby is developing during pregnancy. Roughly 7% of all babies have some form of a birth defect. Birth injuries, on the other hand, occur during labor and delivery of the baby. Birth injuries are more rare and occur in about 5 out of 1,000 births. Some birth defects and birth injuries can be caused by medical malpractice, where doctors or medical staff make the following types of errors:

• Failure to respond to bleeding during delivery
• Failing to respond to umbilical cord entrapment
• Failure to respond to fetal distress
• Failure to recognize/diagnose a pregnancy disorder
• Delay in ordering C-section
• Misuse of medical devices (ex: vacuum extractor or forceps)
• Improper use of pitocin, or other drugs administered during childbirth
• Poor newborn care after birth

The following injuries can sometimes result from medical malpractice during pregnancy or childbirth:

• Cerebral Palsy (disorder of loss of movement and nerve functions)
• Erb’s Palsy/Brachial Plexus Palsy/ Shoulder Dystocia (injury to the group of nerves which control the arms and legs)
• Shoulder Dystocia, which can result in brain damage
• Seizures
• Organ failure
• Mental retardation
• Learning disabilities
• Wrongful death

When a baby is born, he or she is given a score called the "Apgar Score." The Apgar Score measures different aspects of a baby’s health after birth, including the baby’s heart rate, skin color, breathing, and muscle tone. The highest score to be achieved is a 10.

A baby can develop long term, devastating and permanent injuries if he or she is given improper medical care before or during delivery. Costs associated with this type of medical malpractice may be extensive, because treatment can include physical therapy, speech therapy, rehabilitation, and hospitalization.

Contact the Law Offices of d'Oliveira & Associates

If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of birth defects or birth injuries, you need a law firm that can handle these cases.

If we feel that our firm is not the most qualified to handle your particular case we will be happy to use our experience and know-how to help you find a personal injury lawyer that can provide you with the legal representation and dedication you deserve. Remember, we never charge you any fees or expenses, unless your case is successful.

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