Having a baby is a time of excitement and joy for a Pennsylvania family, but this time of celebration can be marred when a birth injury occurs. Babies are susceptible to various types of injuries during birth, and doctors and care providers must be extremely vigilant and cautious when intervening, assisting in a birth and monitoring for problems.
One of the most common types of birth injuries is hypoxia. This is due to a lack of oxygen, and it can happen during, before or even after the baby is born. Babies who experience hypoxia during birth may have to deal with permanent brain damage and a lifetime of medical needs. These birth injuries are cost prohibitive for the mothers and fathers who must care for an injured child.
How does hypoxia happen?
Hypoxia is an injury related to oxygen deprivation, which means that birth is not the only way that a person can experience this type of injury. However, when experienced during birth, it is often a sign that there were complications during birth or a care provider made a mistake. Some of the most common ways that hypoxia happens during birth is because of the following:
- Prolapse of the umbilical cord
- Injuries to the umbilical cord
- Placental abruption or placental insufficiency
- Infection
- Delayed C-section
Mistakes made during birth are detrimental to both the baby and the mother. You may know that your baby experienced problems during birth but be unsure if they were the consequences of a mistake or other type of malpractice. If your baby received a diagnosis of hypoxia after birth, it can be beneficial for your family to learn about the legal options available to you.
Your child’s future is at stake
In a matter of just a few seconds, life for you and your baby can change dramatically. Instead of having a healthy baby, you may have a child who requires extensive and costly medical care. By seeking compensation for a birth injury, you may be able to secure the money you need to provide the following for your baby:
- Special medical care
- Rehabilitation
- Long-term care
- Special education needs
- Therapy
A birth injury can change everything for your family, but you do not have to deal with the aftermath alone. By seeking a full understanding of your rights and options, you can move forward with the most appropriate course of action, which might include seeking damages through a medical malpractice claim.