When delivering a baby, obstetricians and other medical professionals involved in the birth must carefully monitor the health of both the mother and the child, and act swiftly at the first sign of a problem, following the standard of care. In many cases, failure to recognize or react properly to a problem during the birth process can result in a tragic birth injury such as brain damage. In such a case, the doctor may be held liable for  malpractice or negligence.

If your baby suffered brain damage because of the negligence or malpractice of the medical team in the delivery room, you may be eligible to recover damages through litigation.

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Warning signs of brain damage risk

During labor and delivery, physicians and nurses must be alert for indications that the fetus is at risk of brain damage. Among these indicators are:

• Hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain)
• Changes in the fetal heart rate
• Reduced levels of amniotic fluid
• Rupture of the uterus
• Medical conditions of the mother, including diabetes, anemia, or sickle cell disease
• Umbilical cord problems
• Abrupted placenta
• Preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome

If any of these indicators occur, doctors and nurses must act immediately to alleviate the situation. Any delay may result in brain damage and permanent injuries to the child. Brain damage can cause lifelong disabilities such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, seizures, mental retardation, cognitive impairment, vision or hearing loss, impaired motor skills, or hyperactivity. Prompt corrective action on the part of the medical team may prevent these injuries, but if they do occur, the child may face a lifetime of disability and ongoing, expensive medical treatment and specialized care.

Filing a brain damage lawsuit

Children with brain damage may require a lifetime of medical treatments, therapies, special equipment such as braces or wheelchairs, or in the most severe cases, 24-hour nursing care. In cases of medical malpractice or negligence, a lawsuit may help the family obtain financial compensation to help provide care for their child.

If your child suffered brain damage as a result of a birth injury caused by malpractice or negligence, call Balkin & Eisbrough today. Balkin & Eisbrouch are leaders in birth injury and malpractice litigation, with more than 40 years of experience. We know what you’re going through, and we are here to help. Call today for a free evaluation of your case. There is no fee unless we win a settlement for you.