The birth of a child is supposed to be a happy and exciting time, but a complication such as a brain injury from a lack of oxygen at birth (neonatal anoxia) can cause pain, stress, and suffering. If you believe that the medical professionals who were supposed to keep your child healthy were neglectful, you might have legal options.
A Springfield newborn anoxic brain injury lawyer from the Fitch Law Firm LLC can assist you. Call (937) 247-6521 for your free consultation.
Anoxic Brain Injuries Explained
Simply put, a newborn suffers a brain damage when oxygen is unable to reach their brain (neonatal anoxia). Just a few minutes without oxygen can result in brain cell death, leading to the development of serious health issues. That is why it is important for a care team to do everything possible to help newborns avoid such injuries.
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Effects of Oxygen Deprivation to the Brain on Newborns
The effects of an anoxic brain injury largely depend on how long the newborn was without oxygen and how much brain damage was caused. In newborns that survive, long-term effects could include:
Physical Issues
People who suffered an anoxic brain injury as a newborn could end up suffering from physical issues as they get older. They may struggle with balance, suffer from a movement disorder, or experience weakness in their limbs. They may also suffer from apraxia, which can make completing tasks like buttoning a shirt or brushing their teeth difficult by causing an issue with how the brain communicates movement instructions to the body.
Speech Problems
A child who suffered from brain damage due to a lack of oxygen might also experience issues concerning speech and communication. Someone affected might have trouble finding the right words or expressing themselves in a way that makes sense to others.
Visual Problems
Not getting enough oxygen at birth could end up causing visual problems later on in the infant’s life. A child who suffers from this injury might have difficulty recognizing shapes, colors, or specific objects.
Developmental Delays
There are general benchmarks for development that most children meet as they age. However, a child who lacked sufficient oxygen at birth might experience developmental delays. They could fall behind peers when it comes to emotional or intellectual development.
Other potential effects of brain damage related to a lack of oxygen at birth include behavioral issues, personality changes, changes in sleeping patterns, or even seizures. According to research from the Shepherd Center, a complete recovery from an anoxic brain injury is unlikely. Therapy and treatment can help, but a newborn who suffers from such an injury is likely to need extra care for life.
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Risk Factors for Newborn Anoxic Brain Injury
While your doctor and care team are not expected to be clairvoyant, there are risk factors for birth injuries of which they should be aware. Conditions that could lead to birth injuries include:
- The birth is premature.
- The baby is larger than most newborns.
- The baby is not head-first in the birth canal.
- Labor lasts a long time.
- Devices like forceps are used to aid in the delivery.
- The delivery is via C-section.
If there are any conditions that can make birth injuries more likely and your care team does not take proper precautions, they could be held liable. If you believe that neglect or irresponsibility were factors that affected your child’s birth, call the Fitch Law Firm LLC at (937) 247-6521 for your free legal consultation.
When to Pursue Damages
A newborn anoxic brain injury can lead to high medical bills and continued health issues. If you think that the negligence of your doctor or another medical professional resulted in this birth injury, it may be time to pursue damages. Your compensation could cover:
Medical costs: A birth injury can result in longer hospital stays for both the mother and child. It can also mean that medical bills continue to pile up in the future if your child requires more medical care or therapy. Your family should not have to suffer from financial hardships due to the errors of your care team. Pursue the compensation you deserve instead.
Lost wages: Caring for a child that has suffered from a birth injury could require one or both parents to cut down on hours at their job or even quit completely to care for their child. These lost wages and earning potential could be considered when compensation is calculated.
Pain and suffering: Any pain and suffering your family experienced as a result of a brain damage due to lack of oxygen at birth could be covered by damages.
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Reasons to Hire a Lawyer
A Springfield newborn lack of oxygen lawyer can handle your case for you. Your attorney will:
Quickly File Your Case
Ohio Revised Code Section 2305.113 gives you one year to pursue a medical malpractice case. A lawyer can quickly file your case so that the statute of limitations does not run out before you have a chance to pursue compensation.
Handle All Communications
An attorney can talk to all involved parties for you and keep you updated on any news about your case.
Determine Fair Compensation
Your newborn lack of oxygen brain injury lawyer will consider medical bills, the future costs of care for your child, and the pain and suffering experienced by your family to calculate fair compensation. Then they fight for the damages to which you are entitled.
Gather Evidence
Your lawyer can gather the evidence needed to show that your medical team was neglectful or made an error. Evidence could include medical records or expert testimony.
Call for Your Free Consultation Today
If you and your family have suffered due to the negligence of a medical professional, you might have legal options. You do not have to pursue compensation on your own. Instead, call the Fitch Law Firm LLC at (937) 247-6521 and learn more about how a Springfield newborn anoxic brain injury lawyer can help you with your case. The consultation is free and requires no obligation.