For a newborn child, a spinal cord injury could come with a lifetime of problems. It is the responsibility of a delivering physician to ensure that a child is born without any avoidable complications. Unfortunately, the negligent actions of some physicians could result in a severe injury for an infant. If your child was a victim of a spinal cord injury due to medical malpractice, you should consult with an experienced Maryland birth injury lawyer today.
At Bennett & Heyman, P.A., our team of medical malpractice lawyers are dedicated to providing our clients with the aggressive legal representation that they deserve. No child should have to endure a debilitating injury due to a poor mistake by a negligent doctor. That is why our firm is here to help you pursue compensation for the injuries your child suffered. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact Bennett & Heyman, P.A. at (410) 429-7856, or contact us online.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Birth Injuries
Spinal cord birth injuries are typically caused because a doctor’s actions caused a child to suffer through trauma. When delivering a child, a physician must exercise caution to ensure that they do not injure the child. Unfortunately, some medical practitioners will fail to provide a mother and her child the care they deserve during a delivery.
The following is a list of common causes of infant spinal cord birth injuries.
Abnormal Fetal Position
Ideally, as the delivery date nears, a baby will move into position to exit the birth canal head-first. This is known as vertex presentation. However, some babies may not enter vertex presentation but instead will remain in breech presentation (feet-first).
If a child enters the birth canal in breech presentation, their neck and body will remain in the canal for a longer period of time. The pressure in the birth canal could cause the child distress and lead to serious spinal cord injury.
When a baby is in breech presentation, a physician may request to perform an external version. An external version is a non-invasive procedure where a physician attempts to move a baby into vertex presentation by rotating the baby through the mother’s womb. However, if a doctor incorrectly performs this procedure, they can exert too much force on the baby and cause a spinal cord birth injury.
Prolonged Labor
Prolonged labors are dangerous for both a mother and her child. In a prolonged labor, there is potential for the child to become distressed due to the force exerted upon the child in the birth canal. The delivering doctor should be prepared for the possibility of a child becoming distressed and take steps to ensure the safety of the child.
If a doctor believes that a mother will have a prolonged labor, they should notify the mother of the possible need for a C-section. Failing to warn a mother about possible delivery complications could result in liability for medical malpractice.
Misuse of Birthing Instruments
When delivering a child, a doctor may employ the use of birthing instruments to help with the delivery. Forceps and vacuum suctions are the most common type of birth-assisting tool used during child delivery.
Forceps are a tong-like instrument that is used to attach to the head of the baby to pull them from the womb. Unfortunately, some physicians incorrectly use this tool by exerting too much force or by latching on the child’s arm. As a result, a child could suffer a neck injury or other types of birth injuries.
A vacuum suction is used in a similar way to forceps as they also are meant to attach to the baby’s head. Similarly, the misuse of forceps can result in a neck injury for a newborn.
There are many other complications that could lead to a baby suffering a spinal cord birth injury. A number of signs and symptoms can indicate whether your child has suffered a spinal cord injury. For example, if your child is experiencing difficulty moving or they are unable to move, this can be a clear indicator of a spinal cord injury. Other signs and symptoms of a spinal cord birth injury include:
- Respiratory issues
- Issues with heart rate and blood pressure
- Loss of sensation or no sensation in the chest or extremities
- Decreased bowel functions
Contact Our Experienced Infant Spinal Cord Injury Attorneys to Work on Your Case
If your child suffered a spinal cord injury while you were giving birth, you should contact an experienced Maryland medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. Bennett & Heyman, P.A. understands how a birth injury can severely affect your child, and we are here for you in your time of need. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options, contact Bennett & Heyman, P.A. at (410) 429-7856.
