Having a child and subsequently learning that they suffered a seizure due to a birth injury can make a parent experience a wave of emotions. We often expect that our doctors will provide us and our children with the best of care. Unfortunately, some parents have to contend with a severe injury to their child due to the negligence of a medical practitioner. If your child suffered a seizure due to a birth complication, you should consult with an experienced Maryland birth injury attorney as soon as possible.
At Bennett & Heyman, we will work tirelessly to ensure that you and your child receive proper legal representation in your time of need. A child should not have to endure a serious injury due to the negligence of a medical professional. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact Bennett & Heyman at (410) 429-7856, or contact us online.
Common Causes of Infant Seizures
A seizure is caused by abnormal electrical discharge in a person’s brain. When a seizure happens, a person’s brain functions, and consciousness are severely impacted. Neonatal seizures are especially dangerous because they can not only affect a child’s development, but it may also leave them with permanent injuries like brain damage.
There are several types of seizures that can affect an infant. It is important to understand the signs of a seizure so that a physician or parent is able to notice what the child is experiencing. For example, a child that is suffering from a focal clonic seizure may experience slow rhythmic movements in their extremities, face, or body.
In addition to knowing the types of seizures that may affect a child, it is also important to understand the causes of neonatal seizures. The following is a list of common causes of neonatal seizures.
Birth Asphyxia
Birth asphyxia, also known as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), is the most common cause of neonatal seizures. This condition occurs because a child was deprived of a sufficient amount of oxygen during the birthing process.
There are a number of issues that could cause a child to suffer from birth asphyxia. For example, if an infant remains in the birth canal for an excessive amount of time, they could become distressed and struggle to breathe. Other medical issues that could cause a child experience asphyxia is the compression of umbilical cord, a ruptured uterus, and having an umbilical cord wrapped around their neck.
Infection
Meningitis, herpes encephalitis, cytomegalovirus, and toxoplasmosis are a few of the infections that could cause a child to experience a seizure at birth. If a child suffered a seizure in this manner, it is likely because a doctor failed to detect that the mother had an infection that could be passed to her child.
In many cases, a doctor can treat an infection in a mother and prevent it from being passed to a child. Failure to diagnose an infection in a mother during the pregnancy could result in a doctor being held liable for malpractice.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be the result of a few factors. For example, if a physician exerts too much force when using a birthing instrument like forceps, they could cause a child to suffer a severe head injury.
A TBI can also occur because a child suffered an injury when exiting the womb. For instance, if a child’s head is too large to safely fit through the birth canal, the walls of the birth canal may exert excessive pressure on their head. If a doctor is aware that a child could have difficulty while entering the birth canal, they are expected to consider alternative means to perform the delivery.
Kernicterus is another brain-related injury that can occur due to brain damage. This condition is characterized by excessive levels of bilirubin that cause a child to experience jaundice.
There are other issues that could cause a baby to experience a seizure. If you are concerned about whether you can show that a doctor’s negligent actions resulted in your child experiencing a seizure, you should speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Do not delay in seeking representation as your potential claim is subject to the statute of limitations.
Work with an Experienced Maryland Infant Seizure Birth Injury Lawyer Today
If your child was the victim of medical malpractice, contact an experienced Maryland medical malpractice lawyer today. The injury lawyers at Bennett & Heyman possess a wealth of experience, and we are devoted to fighting for you and your child. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact Bennett & Heyman at (410) 429-7856.
