The birth of a child should be an exciting time filled with love and joy. Yet, in far too many instances parents in southwestern Pennsylvania find themselves asking what went wrong after their children suffer an unexpected birth injury.
The scary truth is that there are a number of birth injuries that can befall a newborn. Lacerations and broken bones are relatively common, but more serious conditions can arise, too. Cerebral palsy is one of those medical conditions that can arise after a doctor or nurse’s error in the delivery room.
In the birthing context, cerebral palsy often arises when a child is deprived of oxygen, thereby causing brain damage. The results are nothing short of tragic. Babies who suffer from this condition may exhibit any of the following symptoms:
- Presenting as floppy or stiff
- Lack of balance
- Involuntary movements that may include tremors
- Problems with eating
- Drooling that is excessive for a baby
- Seizures
Long-term, cerebral palsy can cause a number of other issues. Over the course of his or her lifetime, a cerebral palsy sufferer may experience auditory and sight difficulties, the onset of mental health issues, intellectual disabilities, and lifelong seizures. These issues, of course, can have a ripple effect on an individual’s ability to live what others may consider a “normal life.”
The tragic reality is that many birth injuries, including cerebral palsy, are caused by medical malpractice. Those southwestern Pennsylvania families who have been affected by a birth injury may struggle to determine what to do. On of the first steps is to document everything and obtain as much information and as many records as possible. After that, it may be time to speak with witnesses and experts in the field who may help determine how the birth injury in question was caused. Then, armed with this information, it may be time to pursue a medical malpractice claim.
At Bassi, Vreeland & Associates, we understand the challenges faced by those who have been harmed by medical malpractice. With over 70 years of experience, our firm has a demonstrated dedication to assisting those in the Charleroi and Washington areas who have been injured by the negligence of another. We truly hope that none of you have to experience the pain and suffering associated with a birth injury, but if you do, we sincerely hope you are able to find an outcome that protects your and your family’s future while at the same time punishing those responsible for your harm.
