Premature Birth and Medical Malpractice
When parents have a baby that was born prematurely, the medical issues the baby faces can be overwhelming. If the premature birth and injuries were caused by preventable medical errors and complications, the situation can become devastating for parents, both emotionally and financially. According to the March of Dimes statistics, approximately 10 percent of births in this country are premature. These numbers continue to rise each year. Even more alarming is that out of 184 developed countries in the world, the United States is ranked number three in premature births and has the highest infant mortality rate compared to other countries with similar wealth.
Is Premature Birth Due to Medical Malpractice
A normal pregnancy lasts between 37 to 40 weeks. If a baby is born before 37 weeks gestation, this is considered a preterm or premature birth. Even a couple of weeks early can result in health issues. An infant needs those weeks for development, otherwise could suffer from heart and breathing problems and other issues with development.
Birth injuries because of medical negligence or error can happen as a result of premature births because of the critical procedures and care that needs to be followed during these crises. For example, a brain injury due to blood vessels and lungs that are not fully developed can happen because the infant suffers asphyxiation during the birth and it the medical staff fails to immediately ventilate the infant. Failure to respond quickly and appropriately can result in brain damage and cerebral palsy. These high-stress births can result in even more tragic consequences if the medical staff are untrained or inexperienced.
Premature Birth Injuries
The following are some of the birth injuries that can happen as a result of premature births:
· Digestive system injuries: If the digestive system has not been fully developed, nutrients are not being absorbed as needed. A premature infant often needs to be fed via intravenously or by a feeding tube. Both of these methods expose the infant to a high risk of infections or injury.
· Respiratory system injuries: An infant’s lungs need at least 36 weeks of development in order to function properly. A baby born earlier needs help breathing either by intubation or a respirator. Intubation must be performed with precision in order to avoid any physical injury to the baby. Respiration requires specific calibration in order not to stress the underdeveloped lungs.
· Vascular system injuries: Blood vessels that have not yet fully developed exposes the infant to multiple dangers. The baby’s heart may not be fully developed to function on its own. Brain blood vessels that are not developed can result in perilously low oxygen levels which can affect brain development and function.
Contact a Birth Injury Attorney Today
Every parent understands that there are risks to carrying a child and giving birth. When an infant suffers a birth defect or injury, it can be traumatic for the family, but when the condition is caused by negligence on the part of medical professionals, the emotional and financial impact can be devastating.
If your baby suffered birth trauma and you suspect negligent medical care was the cause, contact a birth injury attorney today.
We will schedule a free case evaluation and determine what kind of financial compensation your family may be entitled to. Call us today to get the financial justice your family deserves.