Getting ready to have a baby is one of the most exciting and memorable times in a person’s life. Throughout the duration of the pregnancy, parents do everything in their power to make sure they have a perfectly healthy baby. While this is true and there are none or few issues in most cases, even the most prepared parents do not have complete control over the process of the baby’s birth. In the event that a doctor acts negligently during delivery, it can cause serious harm to their baby in the form of birth injuries. This is medical malpractice and parents can pursue legal action as a result. Continue reading below to learn more.
What Injuries Can Be Caused?
If a doctor does not act to the best of their ability during a baby’s birth, it can result in severe birth injuries. These can impact a newborn for the rest of their life, as it can cause certain deformities. Common birth injuries can include:
- Erb’s palsy
- Cerebral palsy
- Facial paralysis
- Spinal cord injuries
If a doctor misuses a vacuum extractor or forceps, it can cause brain damage to a baby. In addition to this, excessive force when using a shoulder dystocia can cause brachial plexus injuries.
How Do I Hold a Doctor Responsible?
When a person receives their license to practice medicine, they are legally required to act in the best interest of their patients. This involves doing their job to the best of their ability. If they fail to do so and cause harm to their patients as a result, doctors can be held liable for their suffering. In the event of a birth injury, the baby’s parents can pursue legal action on their behalf by filing a personal injury claim. In doing so, they are required to prove the doctor deviated from the standard of care that was owed, directly causing the newborn’s injuries. If they are found guilty, compensation may be recovered for the damages as well as aid for the baby’s future.
Contact our Firm
If you have been injured in a personal injury accident, Swerling Law is here to help. Our firm understands the challenges that many people face after being hurt in an accident and is prepared to help you receive an award of significant compensation to ease some of your burdens. To schedule a consultation with an experienced construction site accident attorney in New York City, contact Swerling Law today.