A baby bump doesn’t just hold a developing fetus – it also holds all the hopes and dreams the mother has for her future child. From conception to birth, pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be terrifying. Despite the risk of complications being very low, the reality is that complications do exist. Terrible and tragic circumstances do happen to good and innocent families. If you or your little one has sustained an birth injury during childbirth, it is extremely critical that you know exactly what your rights are. I want to help prevent even more needless pain and suffering for yourself and your family.

There is no one more sensitive, careful and more vigilant than an expectant mother. Even someone who normally shies away from doctor’s appointments makes sure she does not miss a single appointment with her OBGYN when she’s pregnant. Following the guidelines of your doctor can help prevent a host of complications from occurring during your pregnancy and during childbirth, but even though a mother does have a certain amount of responsibility to help protect her unborn child, some circumstances are simply out if her control. At no fault of her own, preventable injuries during labor and delivery can tear apart he family’s life in an instant.

In 2016 nearly 4 million beautiful, cooing babies were born. Ohio proudly took credit for more than 138,000 of them. However, despite these incredible numbers, not all mothers and fathers came home with babies in their arms despite having a full gestation infant. Compounding the heartbreak, some fathers-to-be left the hospital without their significant other and child. Somewhere during labor and delivery, at no fault of their own, the lives of the baby and the mother were lost. Of the 450 births that occur every hour, 3 infants sustain some type of neonatal birth trauma, and that does not include injuries suffered by the mother. In some instances the birth injury prognosis of the newborn baby is very poor.

Birth Injuries to Mothers

Many birth injuries can cause harm to the mother during childbirth, and when they occur, it’s essential to understand the potential consequences. These injuries can affect various aspects of a mother’s health and well-being. If you’ve suffered any type of birth trauma, or required birth injury treatment, you need to call me right away and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Uterine Rupture

Uterine rupture is a severe birth injury where the muscular wall of the uterus tears during labor, posing significant risks to both mother and baby. Maternal risk factors such as prior cesarean section, or the overuse of labor-inducing medications can increase the risk of this injury. When medical professionals fail to recognize these risk factors and provide inadequate care, they may be liable for medical malpractice. Uterine rupture can lead to life-threatening complications, necessitating emergency surgery, a longer hospital stay, and the possibility of ongoing medical treatment, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, and psychological therapy, to aid in recovery.

Perineal Tear

Perineal tears are common birth injuries that can cause pain and distress to mothers. These tears occur when the tissue between the vaginal opening and the anus (perineum) tears during childbirth, often due to excessive force during delivery, such as in vacuum or forceps-assisted births. If the medical team used improper techniques or fail to assess risk factors properly, they can be held accountable for medical negligence. Severe perineal tears may require surgical repair and may require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.

Cervical Laceration

A cervical laceration is an injury to the cervix, typically resulting from excessive pressure during labor, especially in rapid or difficult deliveries. Medical negligence on the part of doctors in providing proper support or using inappropriate techniques can contribute to this birth injury. Addressing risk factors and ensuring proper care during childbirth is essential to prevent cervical lacerations, which can lead to severe bleeding, decreased blood flow to the baby, additional birth injuries to the baby, and additional medical expenses.

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse is one of the most serious birth injuries that can affect a mother’s life. This condition occurs when pelvic organs, such as the uterus, bladder, or rectum, shift out of their normal positions and descend into the vaginal canal. Risk factors, such as multiple pregnancies and large babies, can increase the likelihood of this injury. Medical professionals should provide guidance on pelvic floor exercises and monitor for signs of prolapse. When neglected, pelvic organ prolapse may require surgical intervention and potentially ongoing occupational therapy as part of the rehabilitation process.

Postpartum Hemorrhage

Suffering a postpartum hemorrhage is a birth injury characterized by excessive bleeding following childbirth. This condition can result from various factors, including the failure of the uterus to contract properly after delivery or damage to blood vessels during childbirth. Prompt recognition and intervention by medical professionals are crucial in preventing severe consequences. Postpartum hemorrhage can lead to the need for emergency medical procedures, blood transfusions, extended hospital stays, and follow-up care.

Suffering a birth injury is painful, expensive, and scary. The health of the mother should be carefully monitored throughout the birthing process, and any form of medical negligence is unacceptable. I am an experienced birth injury attorney, and I’m here to help you hold responsible parties accountable. Call me today, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Birth Injuries to a Baby

Brachial Plexus Injury

A brachial plexus injury is one of the more common types of birth injuries that can affect a baby’s arm and hand movement. It occurs when the network of nerves called the ‘brachial plexus’, sustains damage during childbirth. The brachial plexus is responsible for controlling muscles in the arm and hand. This injury may occur when excessive force is applied to the baby’s head or shoulders during a difficult delivery, particularly in cases of shoulder dystocia. Medical professionals are typically responsible for diagnosing and treating brachial plexus injuries. The costs associated with a brachial plexus injury can include medical evaluations, physical therapy, and in some severe cases, surgical interventions to restore functionality to the affected arm.

Cerebral Palsy (Brain Injury)

Cerebral palsy is a type of birth injury characterized by impaired muscle coordination and movement, often stemming from brain damage that occurred during childbirth, or shortly after birth. The injury that resulted in a cerebral palsy diagnosis may be attributed to various factors, including: inadequate prenatal care, complications during labor and delivery, or medical errors. The costs associated with cerebral palsy can be extensive and lifelong, including medical treatments, specialized therapies, assistive devices, and ongoing care to address the child’s developmental milestones and needs.

Erb’s Palsy (Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy)

Erb’s palsy is a specific type of brachial plexus injury that affects the upper arm and can lead to weakness or paralysis of the affected limb. It typically occurs when there is excessive stretching or pulling on the baby’s head and neck during delivery, potentially due to medical professionals applying excessive force or improper techniques. Fault of the injury may be attributed to the negligence of the medical team involved in the delivery. Treatment for Erb’s palsy may involve physical therapy, occupational therapy, and in some cases, surgery to restore function to the affected arm.

Facial Nerve Injury

Nerve injuries can occur during birth, resulting in facial paralysis, typically affecting one side of the baby’s face. These injuries may occur due to pressure on the baby’s head or face during passage through the birth canal. Fault may be associated with the delivery process if excessive force or improper techniques were employed by the medical team. Treatment for facial nerve injuries may include monitoring, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention to address facial muscle function.

Fractures

Bone fractures, most commonly in the clavicle (collarbone) or the arm, can occur during difficult deliveries or when excessive force is applied during extraction of the baby. Fault may lie with medical professionals if improper techniques or excessive force are used, which could also result in a spinal cord injuries. The costs incurred due to fractures may include medical evaluations, X-rays, immobilization devices, and potential surgical interventions or physical therapy, depending on the severity of the fracture.

Intracranial Hemorrhage (Brain Injury)

Intracranial hemorrhage refers to bleeding within the baby’s brain and can occur due to a traumatic delivery or the improper use of birthing instruments such as forceps. Fault may be associated with the attending medical professionals if they fail to use appropriate delivery techniques or instruments. The costs associated with intracranial hemorrhage can be substantial, encompassing brain imaging, monitoring, surgical interventions, and ongoing medical care to manage any neurological deficits.

Perinatal Asphyxia (Brain Injury)

This type of birth injury is characterized by a lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain during birth, potentially leading to brain damage. This may occur because of complications during labor and delivery or medical errors. The costs associated with perinatal asphyxia can include neonatal intensive care, brain imaging, monitoring, and ongoing medical interventions and therapies to address developmental delays and neurological deficits.

Facial Bruising or Lacerations

Minor injuries such as facial bruising or lacerations may result from pressure on the baby’s face during passage through the birth canal. Fault may not necessarily be attributed to medical professionals, as some degree of facial bruising can be expected during the birthing process. However, excessive force or improper techniques may lead to more severe injuries.

Intrauterine Fractures

These are rare, but may occur while the baby is still in the womb due to various factors. Costs may include monitoring and medical assessments to address any complications related to intrauterine fractures.

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE – Brain Injury)

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a brain injury resulting from oxygen deprivation during birth and can lead to developmental delays and long-term disabilities. Fault may be attributed to complications during labor and delivery, medical errors, or inadequate monitoring. The costs associated with HIE can be significant, encompassing neonatal intensive care, brain imaging, therapeutic hypothermia, and ongoing medical and developmental interventions to address the child’s needs.

Birth Injury Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis and treatment of birth injuries are typically the responsibility of medical professionals, including neonatologists, pediatric specialists, and physical or occupational therapists. The costs incurred can vary widely depending on the nature and severity of the birth injury. They often include medical evaluations, imaging studies, surgical interventions, rehabilitative therapies, and ongoing medical care to address the child’s unique needs.

Birth Injury Prevention

Preventing birth injuries is a shared responsibility between expectant parents and medical professionals. Proper prenatal care, communication with healthcare providers, and adherence to recommended birth plans can help reduce the risk of birth injuries. Additionally, healthcare providers must use appropriate techniques and instruments during labor and delivery to minimize the chances of injury to the baby.

It is vitally important that the doctor’s and medical care team are constantly monitoring the health and wellbeing of both the mother and baby. As you can see from the list above, most birth injuries can be avoided with the proper medical care by the health professionals. If you or your child suffered a birth injury because of negligence, you need to call me right away and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Your Child’s Birth Injury Lawyer

It’s important to note that the nature and severity of each birth injury can vary, as can the potential costs associated with diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care. Timely and appropriate medical intervention is crucial in managing birth injuries and minimizing their impact on the child’s health and development.

If you, your significant other, or your child is the victim of birth injury, then you absolutely need to call me right away for a free initial consultation. We will discuss your rights, legal action and possible compensation for you and/or your baby’s pain and suffering.

I know you are devastated and hurting, but you need to act fast. Document the events leading to the injury as much as possible. I’ll help you every step of the way!

As your lawyer, I will fight tirelessly to ensure you are properly compensated for the birth injury to you and/or your newborn. I have served the greater Cleveland, Ohio area for more than 40 years. When I take your case, I will not only make sure you obtain the financial award you deserve, but I will also go after the doctors who allowed your tragedy to occur. They must be held accountable for their negligence. I strive to change hospital policies to ensure no one else suffers like you have. I take on Big Cases with Big Results!

Try Not to Stress

Please do not stress yourself by worrying about finances during this trying time. As your lawyer, I do not charge a single penny to represent you. I work on a contingency basis, which means that my fee is based on a portion of your financial compensation. In other words, I will not get paid unless you do.

I will handle all financial aspects of your case, and please feel free to reach out to me any hour of the day or night. As your lawyer, you will have my personal cell phone number and you can be confident that I will answer your call whenever you need me.

Don’t feel like you have to drive halfway across the state to find me, either. I will come to you. I have met clients at the hospital, at grave sites, and in their homes. It is my pleasure to meet you wherever is most convenient for you. If I can offer you any glimmer of hope or peace, then I will absolutely do so. Please reach out to me now so I can begin the legal process to help you. Believe me when I tell you, I’ll Make Them Pay!®.

DISCLAIMER: ”Please understand the slogan, I’ll Make Them Pay!® is not a guarantee of payment. Both liability and real damages must be proven with a preponderance of the evidence.”