Like many Louisiana parents, you wanted the birth of your child to be the most joyous day of your life. Though you knew the process would likely be long, difficult and painful, you undoubtedly expected to hold your healthy child in the end and appreciate the experience you went through. Unfortunately, you did not have this outcome.
Instead, you experienced complications during the delivery of your child, and your baby ended up suffering brain damage as a result. Sadly, instead of holding your healthy child, your baby may have been whisked away for treatment before you could even properly lay eyes on him or her.
Lack of oxygen
Unfortunately, a common cause of brain damage in newborns is a lack of oxygen. A number of factors could contribute to this issue, but most often, negative side effects can be avoided if medical staff members quickly recognize the issues and act in the appropriate manner. One of the following issues may have contributed to your baby’s injury:
- If you experienced a difficult labor, your baby may have gotten stuck in the birth canal. When this happens, the baby may not get enough oxygen or get no oxygen, which can lead to a multitude of problems.
- Because the baby relies on the placenta for oxygen, if the placenta separates from the uterus too quickly, the baby’s oxygen supply may be reduced or cut off.
- Your baby’s umbilical cord could have also played a role. If the cord becomes twisted or knotted or if the doctor cuts the cord too soon, your baby may not receive needed oxygen.
- Mucus could also block a baby’s airway, making it difficult to breathe. Typically, medical staff can clear the airways to prevent this issue, but if they do not act quickly, serious damage could result.
Because doctors and other medical staff have the responsibility of monitoring your baby and intervening when necessary, if they did not act properly during the delivery of your child, their negligence may have contributed to his or her brain damage.
Medical malpractice
If you believe that medical malpractice played a role in your child’s injury, you may want to consider your legal options. Filing a legal claim against the liable parties could help you pursue monetary compensation for permitted damages and for future care your child may need. Obtaining information on this option from local legal resources may prove wise.
