Katy Birth Injuries Lawyer

Compassionate Birth Injury Lawyers in Katy, Texas

Katy Birth Injuries Attorneys

While most births in the United States, whether in hospitals or at home, proceed without complications, birth defects and injuries can still occur due to various factors. Studies suggest that approximately 27 out of every 1,000 births result in a birth injury. Although some injuries are unavoidable, many are caused by medical errors or negligence, such as doctors or nurses failing to take necessary precautions. Birth injuries can happen at any point during delivery and, in some cases, may even be linked to issues during pregnancy.

Exploring Birth Injuries

A birth injury, a type of medical malpractice, happens when a healthcare professional fails to use reasonable and prudent medical judgment, deviating from accepted standards and causing harm to the patient. Medical negligence is a major contributor to many birth injuries in the United States each year.

If you believe your baby has suffered a birth injury due to medical mistakes or negligence, consulting with a Katy personal injury attorney can help clarify your rights and legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain, and suffering. For children with severe and permanent disabilities resulting from birth injuries, lifetime compensation may also be pursued. Contact our experienced Katy birth injury attorneys today to find out how we can assist you.

Common Causes of Birth Injuries

Birth injuries can sometimes be attributed to medical negligence that occurred during pregnancy. For example, failing to diagnose or properly manage maternal or fetal health conditions can significantly increase the risk of birth injury. Physicians must address prenatal issues such as:

Rh incompatibility
Maternal diseases or infections
Maternal diabetes
Maternal hypertension
Abnormal fetal growth or development
Cephalopelvic disproportion

However, most birth injuries occur during the labor and delivery process. Factors like shoulder dystocia, premature birth, prolonged labor, a large newborn size, abnormal birth presentation, difficult labor, and umbilical cord issues can all heighten the risk of birth injuries. Delivery-related injuries may result from excessive force, improper use of medical interventions, unnecessary surgery, failure to follow standard protocols, improper intubation, delayed C-sections, and other hospital errors.

Types of Birth Injuries

Birth injuries can arise from complications or medical errors during pregnancy, childbirth, or the immediate neonatal period. These injuries can range from mild and temporary to severe, with long-lasting or even permanent effects. Here are some common types of birth injuries:

Brain Damage: Various brain-related injuries can occur, often due to oxygen deprivation (anoxia, hypoxia, birth asphyxia, perinatal asphyxia). Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a specific type of brain injury resulting from a lack of oxygen, leading to substantial short- and long-term disabilities that may require ongoing in-home medical care.
Erb’s Palsy and Other Nerve Injuries: Erb’s palsy, a common birth injury, causes paralysis in the arm or hand due to damage or stretching of the brachial plexus nerves during delivery. This often occurs if the baby becomes stuck or if excessive force is used during childbirth.
Facial Paralysis: Typically temporary, facial paralysis can result from medical mistakes during delivery.
Cerebral Palsy: One of the most common brain injuries related to birth trauma, cerebral palsy affects about 8,000 to 10,000 children annually in the U.S. It is a neurological disorder that impairs body movements and can leave a child with permanent disabilities, including difficulty controlling limbs, speech issues, and a need for mobility assistance.
Fractures: Can occur due to forceful or excessive birthing techniques.
Caput Succedaneum: This injury involves severe swelling and bruising of the baby’s head caused by forceful delivery techniques. Although often temporary, excessive force during delivery can lead to more serious injuries, including brain damage.
Cephalohematoma: This condition involves bleeding beneath the cranial bones of the baby’s head. Severe bleeding can lead to jaundice, which may have serious consequences.
Kernicterus: A severe form of brain damage caused by excessive jaundice due to high levels of bilirubin in the baby’s bloodstream. This condition typically develops within the first week of life but may not be noticeable until weeks later. High bilirubin levels can move from the blood into brain tissue, causing serious neurological complications.

What Type of Compensation is Available in These Cases?

When a child suffers a birth injury due to the negligent or careless actions of a medical professional, various forms of compensation may be available. While each case is unique, the team at Scott Callahan & Associates often helps families recover the following:

Costs for all emergency medical care related to the birth injury
Compensation for both short-term and long-term care needs
Expenses for mobility aids such as wheelchairs, braces, and walkers
Lost income if a parent is unable to work while caring for their child
Damages for loss of enjoyment of life for the child
Compensation for pain and suffering
Potential punitive damages in cases of gross negligence by the medical provider

Contact Our Experienced Katy Birth Injuries Lawyer Today

When a birth injury causes significant or long-term harm to a child or mother, the family may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, financial losses, and pain and suffering. To understand your legal rights and options, contact the experienced and compassionate Katy birth injuries attorneys at Scott Callahan & Associates. We offer a free, confidential case evaluation to help you explore your options and determine the best course of action.