The birth of a child should be a joyous event for an Oregon family, yet complications and unexpected medical events can mar what should be a time of celebration. Birth injuries can happen for various reasons, including mistakes made by medical personnel and hospital staff. Unfortunately, these events can lead to long-term suffering and permanent implications for the baby. Many birth-related malpractice cases involve orthopedic injuries.
Orthopedic injuries have the potential to result in issues that can affect the child for the rest of his or her life. The child may require surgery, therapy and other interventions long-term. If you believe your baby suffered because of the reckless or negligent actions of a doctor, nurse or other care provider, you have legal options available to you. It may be possible to pursue compensation through a civil claim for your losses and your child’s future needs.
Physical harm and long-term effects
Sometimes, injuries suffered by babies during birth are the result of the actions of care providers or failure to properly intervene when necessary. Some of the most common orthopedic injuries experienced during the birth process include:
- Brachial plexus injuries – This is an injury to the group of nerves that travels from the neck down the arm. It happens when the arm and head pull in different directions.
- Femur fractures – This is a broken thigh bone, often suffered because of a twisting of the leg during delivery.
- Growth plate injuries – This can happen during delivery, and it is possible to detect through x-ray images that indicate swelling at the end of a long bone.
These types of injuries may resolve themselves over time or with specific types of treatment. However, severe damage can lead to long-term harm that affects both the baby and the parent. If your child suffered any type of harm during delivery, it may be the result of the decisions made by the doctors, nurses or other care providers.
Your options as a parent
As the parent of a child who suffered a birth injury, you could have legal options available to you. Through a civil claim, you may have grounds to pursue compensation and hold liable parties accountable for the actions that resulted in harm to your child. Concerned parents may find it beneficial to learn more about the civil justice process and the specific opportunities they may pursue as soon as possible after the birth injury occurred.