The birth of a child is a much-anticipated event for many Houston families. Most births go as planned with the newborn being joyfully welcomed to the world. But, for some families, a birth injury can bring heartbreak and unforeseen medical expenses and medical care.
A Kentucky woman has been awarded over $18 million after a birth injury hurt her son. The boy who was born in 2007 suffered a brain injury during his birth. He has a form of cerebral palsy, developmental delay, and epilepsy. He takes many medications daily and will need physical and occupational therapy until he is at least 21. The problems began during labor when the nurses gave more Pitocin than the doctor had ordered. They also failed to give information regarding the fetal heart rate to the doctor. The epidural that the mother received was also not stopped when the doctor had ordered it. This hindered the mother’s ability to push during the delivery. The judgment was against the hospital who was found to provide inadequate training for the maternity nurses.
Birth injuries can be devastating for parents. The injuries can cause serious injuries or even death in what was believed to be a healthy baby. Unexpected medical expenses, including lifetime medical expenses may also occur. If parents believe their child was the victim of a birth injury they may want to speak with a legal professional skilled in medical malpractice. An attorney can help the family determine what happened to cause the birth injury and who is at fault. They can hold the negligent medical provider accountable for their actions. Compensation can become available for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Although birth injuries can happen to anyone it is important to hold medical providers accountable. These injuries can be very serious and cause lifelong complications for the infant.
Source: glasgowdailytimes.com, “Updated: Mother in $18.3M verdict says money will provide security for son”, Melinda Overstreet, Nov. 25, 2014
