Having a child is one of the most life-changing events for a person. As a new parent or a parent that is adding another child to your family, you will want to ensure that your child has the medical care that they deserve. Unfortunately, some parents have to contend with a serious injury to their child because of the negligence of a physician. If your baby suffered an injury during your delivery, contact an experienced Baltimore birth injury attorney.
At Bennett & Heyman, P.A., we understand the birth of your child should be a joyous occasion that should not be ruined by the actions of a negligent doctor or hospital. We will work tirelessly to help you pursue a medical malpractice claim against the medical team or hospital responsible for the injuries your child suffered. To schedule a free consultation, contact Bennett & Heyman, P.A. at (410) 429-7856, or contact us online.
Common Causes of Infant Skull Fractures
When a baby is born, their skulls are much softer than those of adults, and it is not fully developed. The soft skull of an infant makes it easier for the child to travel through the birth canal of their mother. However, even though the soft skull of an infant can alleviate pressure on the child’s head and brain during birth, this does not mean that the child is completely safe from injury.
The following is a list of common causes of infant skull fractures.
Improper Use of Birthing Tools
To assist in the delivery of a baby, a physician may employ the use of birthing tools. Forceps and vacuum extractors are common birthing tools that are used by doctors to deliver a child. Forceps are used to grab a baby’s head or another body part to pull the child from the womb. A vacuum extractor is used to suction to a child and pull them out of the womb. When either of these items is used incorrectly, it is possible for a child to suffer a skull fracture.
Breech Births
As a woman draws closer to her delivery date, the child in their womb will shift into a position that will ensure their head enters the birth canal first. In some cases, a child will not move into position and instead will remain with their feet positioned towards the birth canal. This is known as breech position.
Breech births are dangerous because there is a higher chance of the child being injured because the child’s head is the last body part to exit the womb. If the child’s head becomes trapped in the mother’s birth canal, this can exert a significant amount of pressure on the child’s skull that can then cause a fracture.
Additionally, if you have a child that is above the average birth weight of eight pounds, this can also lead to a situation where the child can be caught in the birth canal. If a physician does not act appropriately to deliver a larger child or to deal with a breech birth, they could be held liable for negligence.
Doctors also have a duty to ensure that a delivery does not put excessive strain on a child or a mother. If a doctor has reason to believe that a mother would be safer delivering their baby with a C-section, they should ensure they are prepared for that possibility if labor becomes complicated.
Mishandling a Child
After a child is delivered, it is important that the baby is handled with extreme care. Newborn children are highly susceptible to injury, and if a child is dropped or held incorrectly, there is a possibility that they could suffer a skull fracture. In some cases, a child could suffer a skull fracture because they are shaken by a medical practitioner that is responsible for their care.
There are other causes of skull fractures that are not listed here. Our firm is prepared to help you determine whether you have a valid medical malpractice claim. We can help you gather evidence for your case and ensure that your case is filed on time. Your child should not have to deal with a devastating injury like a skull fracture because of the poor actions of a doctor or hospital.
Contact Our Experienced Baltimore Lawyer for Infant Skull Fractures
If your child suffered a skull fracture at birth, contact an experienced Baltimore lawyer for infant skull fractures. The injury lawyers at Bennett & Heyman, P.A. have decades of combined legal experience that we will utilize to help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your child’s injury. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your child’s birth injury, contact Bennett & Heyman, P.A. at (410) 429-7856.
