An injury is something that nobody wants to experience. It’s even
more traumatic and worse when the injury occurs to a newborn baby. Unfortunately,
these types of incidents happen far too often and babies are left dealing
with a birth injury that can impact their entire lives. As a parent, it’s
important for you to understand the long-term impacts of a birth injury
and how they can affect your child during their growth and development.
Impact On Development
Birth injuries occur in a variety of methods, often causing trauma to a
specific part of the body. For instance, umbilical cord strangulation,
improper use of forceps, breeched birth, and any other cause of a birth
injury can cause development disabilities over the course of the child’s
life. It could limit brain activity, movement of various parts of the
body, and more. The physical, psychological, and intellectual developments
can all be impacted.
Birth injuries can result in a number of different developmental disabilities,
including but not limited to:
- Erb’s palsy
- Cerebral palsy
- Speech problems
- Hearing loss
- Delayed development
- Paralysis
- ADD
Impact On Bodily Function
One potential birth injury that can be experienced is Hypoxic Ischemic
Encephalopathy (HIE). This occurs in babies who suffer from severe birth
asphyxia and it causes traumatic injuries to the brain. It can progress
and worsen, leading to long-term or permanent brain damage and various
conditions. Over time, it can lead to difficulty feeding, seizures, organ
issues, low brain stem reflexes, and limited alertness.
Impact On Enjoyment of Life
As the injuries impact development, growth, and bodily functions, it can
also cause issues with the child’s enjoyment of life. It can also
result in added expenses for medical visits, any equipment for medical
needs, or modifications to the living or driving situation that must be
made. Overall, it can cause depression or emotional trauma in the child.
Unfortunately, birth injuries are most commonly caused by those professionals
we trust to take care of us. Obstetricians, nurses, anesthesiologists,
and other medical professionals can be reckless during the labor and delivery
process, resulting in serious birth injuries. It’s a difficult situation,
but you should understand that you have legal rights.
At Hampton & King, our
Houston birth injury attorneys understand the situation you may be going through and we want to provide
you with the counsel you need to seek compensation. You and your family
should obtain justice for the wrongs you have experienced and we put your
goals at the forefront of our practice.
Contact us and schedule your free consultation
today and learn how we may be able to help you!