Sometimes, birth injuries in Texas can’t be avoided; they’re just unfortunate accidents. However, there are times when it’s clear that the medical staff actually caused injury to a baby. When that happens, families may be entitled to compensation for damages by filing a medical malpractice claim against the liable individual or medical facility.
Understanding medical malpractice
Over 3 million babies are born in the United States each year. Luckily, most of them are healthy. But each year, thousands of babies are injured during birth. Common causes of these problems include unusually large size, the position of the baby, a long labor and prematurity. All of these factors can contribute to problems at delivery.
Birth injuries are not the same as congenital birth defects, which are the result of genetics. Injuries are occurrences that may well be preventable. Sometimes, these traumas are caused by errors like the incorrect use of forceps. Giving the mother the wrong medication, or the wrong dose of the right medication, can also be a cause of birth injury. Sometimes, the medical staff is simply not paying close attention. They don’t notice that the baby is experiencing problems until it’s too late.
Medical professionals owe their patients a duty of care. When they don’t do their jobs up to the standards of their professions, they may be held accountable in court. Damages for medical expenses, equipment like wheelchairs and even for the child’s lost future income may be awarded. It may be a good idea to contact an experienced attorney if you have questions about your child’s birth injury and whether you have sufficient evidence to file a claim for compensation.