Atlanta Cancer Misdiagnosis Lawyer

Types Of Birth Injuries

• One common type of birth injury is Cerebral Palsy. This condition is caused by brain damage and affects muscle coordination and control. Kids with cerebral palsy can experience deficiencies in movement, balance, and posture.
• Another type is a Brachial Plexus Injury, which occurs when the group of nerves that sends signals from the spine to the arm and hand, known as the brachial plexus, is damaged. This can result in weakness or loss of movement in the arm.
• Fractures are also a common type of birth injury, often occurring during difficult deliveries. The most common fracture is of the clavicle or collarbone.
• Cephalohematoma involves bleeding under one of the cranial bones. This may cause a raised lump on the baby’s head, which typically disappears over time.
  Perinatal Asphyxia is another serious injury where the baby does not receive adequate oxygen before, during, or just after birth. This can lead to various complications, including neurological damage.
• Lastly, intracranial hemorrhage, which is bleeding inside the skull is also a consequential kind of birth injury. This condition can range from minor to severe, depending on the extent of the bleeding.

Causes Of Birth Injuries

• The causes of birth injuries can be complicated. One major cause is prolonged or difficult labor, where the baby may be in the birth canal for an extended period. This can increase the risk of physical trauma and oxygen deprivation. Another common cause is improper use of birth-assisting tools, such as forceps or vacuum extractors. If these tools are not used correctly, they can exert excessive force on the baby’s head or body, leading to various injuries.
• Preterm birth, where a baby is born before 37 weeks of gestation, is also a significant risk factor. Preterm babies are more vulnerable to injuries due to their underdeveloped bodies and organs. Conversely, large birth weight can lead to complications during delivery, especially if the baby is too large to pass safely through the birth canal. This can result in injuries due to physical trauma.
• Oxygen deprivation is a serious concern. This can happen due to various reasons, such as umbilical cord problems, placental issues, or maternal blood pressure disorders. Oxygen deprivation can lead to brain injuries and other serious conditions.
• Lastly, medical negligence is a significant cause of birth injuries. This includes errors made by healthcare professionals, such as failing to monitor the baby’s vital signs adequately, delaying a necessary cesarean section, or not responding appropriately to complications during labor and delivery. Medical negligence can have lasting impacts on the health and well-being of both mother and child.

Birth Injury Occurrences In Atlanta

• Birth injuries can occur in various healthcare settings in Atlanta, with hospitals and birth centers being the most common locations. These injuries might happen due to a range of factors, including the complexity of the delivery, the experience and practices of the healthcare staff, and the quality of prenatal and perinatal care provided.
• Hospitals in Atlanta are where most births and birth injuries occur. Large medical centers, such as Grady Memorial Hospital, Emory University Hospital, and Atlanta Medical Center, handle a high volume of births, including high-risk pregnancies and deliveries. While these hospitals have advanced medical facilities and experienced staff, the high number of deliveries can sometimes lead to oversights or rushed decisions that may result in birth injuries.
• Maternity wards and birth centers in Atlanta are other locations where birth injuries might occur. These centers are designed to provide a more natural and less clinical birthing experience. However, they might lack the full range of medical equipment and specialists found in larger hospitals, which can be important in emergencies or complicated births.
• At-home births in the Atlanta area, though less common, also carry the risk of birth injuries. While many at-home births proceed without complications, the absence of immediate medical intervention can be critical if unexpected issues arise during delivery.

Potential Damages in Misdiagnosis Cases

If a birth injury occurs, the parents or guardians of the newborn might consider filing a lawsuit or insurance claim to seek compensation for damages. This process starts with understanding the legal grounds for the claim, which typically involves proving that the injury was caused by negligence or malpractice.

Filing a lawsuit involves taking legal action against the parties believed to be responsible for the injury. This usually begins with hiring an attorney who focuses on birth injury or medical malpractice cases. The attorney will collect evidence, consult medical experts, and build a case to demonstrate how the injury occurred and who is at fault.

Insurance claims might be another avenue for compensation. The process involves filing a claim with the insurer, who will then assess the claim and determine the compensation amount. However, insurance claims can be complex and might require negotiation or legal action to reach a satisfactory outcome. No parent should accept the terms of a settlement offer before an experienced birth injury attorney has been granted the opportunity to review it.

Damages In Birth Injury Cases

Damages in birth injury cases refer to the compensation awarded to the injured party. These can include:

• Medical Expenses: Covering the cost of medical care required due to the injury, including ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by the injury.
• Loss of Future Earnings: If the injury results in long-term disability, this can cover the potential future earnings lost due to the disability.
• Punitive Damages: In some cases, where the negligence was particularly egregious, additional damages might be awarded to punish the liable party and deter future misconduct.