Medical malpractice lawsuits can be filed in Texas and around the country when mistakes made by doctors or hospitals resulted in birth injuries. These are injuries babies suffer while being born that impair their bodies or bodily functions. Birth injuries are usually caused by mechanical forces that babies are subjected to during childbirth, and they range from mild medical problems that can usually be addressed with prompt treatment to major issues that may threaten an infant’s life or leave them permanently disabled.
When babies are born with medical problems, a thorough physical examination should be performed to determine if the issue was caused by a congenital defect or a birth injury. When birth injuries are identified, intensive medical interventions may not always be necessary. Babies are far more resilient than they seem, and brachial plexus and soft tissue injuries often heal completely within a few weeks. However, subgaleal or intracranial hemorrhages and spinal cord injuries could be life-threatening to newborns.
The most effective method for dealing with birth injuries is avoiding them in the first place. The best way to achieve this is to ensure that mothers are attended to by an experienced and qualified team of obstetricians, pediatricians, neonatologists and nurses during childbirth. It is also crucial for medical professionals to pay close attention to the information provided by monitoring equipment and be aware of any health-related issues that arose during the pregnancy.
Personal injury attorneys with experience in medical malpractice lawsuits may consult with doctors and financial experts before determining the appropriate damages in cases involving birth injuries. Injured infants might require expensive medical care for years or even for life, and attorneys may wish to take steps to ensure that the compensation they seek is more than sufficient to cover the medical bills their clients face.