Birth Injury Statistics

Pregnancy is an exciting time for the mom and dad to be, but is can also be scary. Even if you are not a first-time mother, it is entirely understandable to have a little bit of anxiety and trepidation throughout your pregnancy. However, with so much misinformation out there regarding pregnancy, labor, and birth, it’s easy to get confused about what to expect when you have a little bundle of joy on the way. The reality is that for most mothers, pregnancy will culminate with a cooing, happy baby. The risk of serious complications is low, but questions about maternal and infant health need to be addressed and answered.

Infant Deaths

Explanation of Infant Death:

Infant death is a deeply tragic event that involves the loss of a baby before their first birthday. This heart-wrenching occurrence can occur due to various reasons and circumstances, leaving families devastated by the untimely loss of their child. It’s important to approach this topic with empathy and understanding, as infant death is a complex and sensitive issue that affects families on a profound level.

Causes of Infant Death:

Preterm Birth:

A baby that is born before completing a full term of gestation is known as a premature, or preterm birth. Preterm babies have a greater risk of complications because some of their organs are not fully developed. These complications increase the risk of infant mortality. Health care providers must be prepared and provide the best plan of action for premature infants to reduce infant mortality rate.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS):

SIDS is a term used when a seemingly healthy baby suddenly and unexpectedly dies in their sleep. Despite extensive research, the exact cause of SIDS is not fully understood.

Infections:

Serious infections, especially those that affect a baby’s still-developing immune system, can sadly result in infant death. Underdeveloped lungs is one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality.

Complications During Birth:

Infant and maternal complications during labor and delivery may lead to oxygen deprivation or other complications that contribute to infant mortality.

Infant Mortality Statistics in Ohio:

An average of 140,000 births occur annually in Ohio. Sadly, however, the infant mortality rate in Ohio has been a concern for public health officials for far too long. Ohio’s infant mortality rate was approximately 6.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, which is higher than the national average. This equates to approximately 966 beautiful babies (Ave. 140,000 births) would have resulted in fetal deaths.

Efforts are continually being made to understand and address the underlying factors contributing to neonatal deaths, such as racial disparities, maternal age, access to healthcare and education for expectant parents..

There is nothing more devastating than the loss of a child, especially when the tragedy could have been prevented. If your baby died as a result of medical negligence or medical mistake, call me today!

Low Birth Weight

Complications of Low Birth Weight:

Low birth weight (LBW), is defined as a birth weight of less than 2,500 grams (5.5 pounds). Low birth weight can lead to a range of health complications for newborns. Babies whose birth weight is low are often at a higher risk of experiencing the following complications:

Health Challenges:

LBW infants may face difficulties in maintaining their body temperature, blood sugar levels, and oxygen levels, which can lead to respiratory distress syndrome and other health problems.

Underdeveloped Organs:

Organs such as the lungs, brain, and digestive system may not have fully developed, increasing the risk of long-term health issues.

Infections:

LBW babies have a weaker immune system, making them more susceptible to infections, especially in the early days of life.

Feeding Problems:

Preterm or LBW babies may struggle with feeding due to underdeveloped sucking and swallowing reflexes.

Jaundice:

Jaundice, a condition causing yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels, is more common in LBW infants.

Neurological Issues:

Low birth weight can increase the risk of cognitive and behavioral challenges, including learning disabilities and attention disorders.

Long-Term Health Risks:

LBW babies may be at a higher risk for chronic health conditions in adulthood, such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.

Rates of Low Birth Weight in Ohio:

The rate of low birth weight in Ohio was around 8.6%, which is slightly higher than the national average.

Reducing the occurrence of low birth weight involves ensuring proper prenatal care, promoting maternal health, and addressing risk factors such as inadequate weight gain during pregnancy. Early and consistent prenatal care, as well as a supportive healthcare team, are crucial for monitoring and managing any potential complications associated with low birth weight. Your doctor needs to be educating you on the best health practices promoting the best possible outcomes for you and your baby.

Low birthweight babies must have special attention while in the hospital. Unfortunately, not all of these babies get the care they need, and tragedy can result. If your baby was born with a low birth weight, and tragically did not survive due to negligence or a medical mistake, you need to call me and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Birth Injury Statistics

List of Birth Injuries and Rates of Occurrence in Ohio:

Brachial Plexus Injury:

A brachial plexus injury occurs when the network of nerves controlling the arm and hand is damaged during birth. This can occur if there is excessive force applied during delivery, leading to stretching or tearing of these nerves. Brachial plexus injuries are relatively rare, and occur in a small percentage of births in Ohio.

Cerebral Palsy:

Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects muscle control and movement. It can occur due to brain damage before, during, or shortly after birth. This condition varies in severity and can impact a child’s motor skills and overall development. The prevalence of cerebral palsy in Ohio is approximately 2.5 per 1,000 live births.

Erb’s Palsy:

Erb’s palsy is a type of brachial plexus injury that specifically affects the upper nerves of the network. It can lead to weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Like other brachial plexus injuries, this is relatively uncommon in Ohio.

Fractures and Bone Injuries:

Sometimes, during a challenging birth, a baby’s bones can be fractured. These fractures typically heal with medical attention, but they can cause discomfort and require careful monitoring. There is a low occurrence rate of fractures.

Facial Nerve Injury:

Facial nerve injuries can occur if pressure is applied to the baby’s face during delivery. These injuries can affect facial expressions and sometimes lead to temporary or permanent weakness. In Ohio, this occurs in a small percentage of births.

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE):

HIE occurs when a baby’s brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen and blood, often due to complications during birth. This can lead to cognitive and developmental challenges. Although rare, this should never be ignored.

Anoxia and Hypoxia:

Anoxia refers to a complete lack of oxygen, while hypoxia indicates a reduced level of oxygen. Both can occur during birth if there are complications that affect the baby’s oxygen supply. These conditions can lead to brain damage and other health issues.

Occurrence rates of these devastating birth injuries is low, but can not be ignored. Unfortunately, these usually occur due to complications with the delivery. Both tragic and unacceptable. The doctors we rely on to safely guide mothers through this process must be held accountable for their mistakes. These errors change lives. If anything went wrong during the delivery of your baby, and you or your child were affected, you need to call me!

Medical Malpractice

Impact of Medical Malpractice on Infant Mortality Rates in Ohio:

Medical malpractice can have a significant impact on infant mortality rates in Ohio, affecting the well-being and lives of the youngest members of our society. Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare professionals deviate from accepted standards of care, leading to harm or injury to patients, including newborns. This unfortunate situation can amplify the challenges already associated with infant mortality, further compounding the heartbreak experienced by your families.

When medical professionals fail to provide the appropriate level of care during pregnancy, childbirth, or postnatal care, several negative consequences can arise:

Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment:

Medical malpractice can result in delayed diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions in newborns. Delayed intervention for critical issues such as infections, congenital conditions, or respiratory distress can lead to worsened outcomes and even death.

Birth Injuries:

Errors during labor and delivery due to medical negligence can lead to birth injuries, which may range from minor to severe. These injuries can contribute to infant mortality, impacting both the immediate and long-term health of the baby.

Medication Errors:

Inaccurate administration of medications or incorrect dosages can have serious consequences for newborns. Premature or sick infants are particularly vulnerable to medication errors, which can lead to complications that contribute to infant mortality.

Failure to Monitor:

Proper monitoring of newborns’ vital signs and health conditions is essential. Neglecting to monitor signs of distress can lead to undetected complications that may otherwise be addressed in a timely manner.

Inadequate Neonatal Care:

Insufficient care for premature or sick infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) due to medical malpractice, can increase the risk of complications and mortality.

The impact of medical malpractice on infant mortality rates extends beyond the physical harm caused. It can also lead to emotional and psychological distress for families who have already been through the unimaginable loss of their child. This underscores the importance of ensuring that medical professionals follow established guidelines, prioritize patient safety, and maintain a commitment to providing quality care to every patient, especially newborns.

Efforts to address medical malpractice and to reduce its impact on infant mortality rates in Ohio are necessary. These include ongoing training for healthcare providers, rigorous oversight of medical practices, and comprehensive patient safety measures. By holding medical professionals accountable for their actions and promoting a culture of continuous improvement in healthcare, we can work towards a safer environment for newborns and their families. By doing this, we’ll reduce the burden of infant mortality caused by medical negligence.

I Will Hold Them Accountable

Some of the major complications a mother may encounter during her pregnancy are early labor, birth injuries, and low birth weight. Some of these problems can be prevented, but sadly, sometimes things will be out of your hands. Horrible things happen to good people, and there are doctors out there that should not be practicing. Even if you take all measures to ensure a healthy pregnancy, unexpected loss can still befall you.

Nobody should ever have to suffer from birth complications that can deprive them of their beloved little baby. Pregnancy should be a wonderful time for an expecting mother and father, but despite careful planning and due diligence, bad things do happen. Negligent doctors can often be to blame for these losses, and if you find yourself going home to an empty cradle when you expected to be starting a family, then you need to call me today for a free consultation.

My goal when I take on your case is not just to give you the financial restitution you deserve for your loss (which is, by no means, is ever adequate to replace your precious child), but to also get you justice and prevent anyone else from suffering like you have. When you call me, you are not just getting a lawyer who cares about you, but you’re getting an advocate who is there by your side. I’ll give you my personal cell phone number so you can reach me day or night, and you can trust that I will answer.

I know you are grieving and that is why I will come to you. I’ll meet you at the hospital or in your home, whatever works best for you.

You don’t need to worry about how you’re going to pay me, either. I work on a contingency basis, which means that my fee comes from a percentage of your compensation. You won’t have to pay a single dime. I’ll make sure all court fees are covered out of my own pocket. I have more than 40 years of experience serving the greater Cleveland area and I take on Big Cases with Big Results. If your heart is broken, and you feel you deserve justice for your loss, reach out to me today and 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.”