Newborns are particularly vulnerable to injury during and after the birthing process, so it is important and required by the standards of care that doctors and medical staff take considerable precautions to ensure that a child’s well-being is protected. If a complication occurs, such as a breech birth or inadequate uterine contractions, healthcare providers are responsible for proceeding accordingly to protect the child and mother from harm.
If your newborn was injured during childbirth, it may be due to shortcomings in your care prior to and during delivery. During the post-birth neonatal period, a newborn may also be seriously injured as a result of negligent care.
Injuries to a newborn may occur for various reasons, including but not limited to:
- Failure to perform a timely C-section (resulting in fetal compromise and possibly brain injury).
- Administration of the wrong dosage of or incorrect medication to mother and/or infant (prenatally, during labor/delivery, or, post-delivery).
- Failure to identify and appropriately address or treat fetal distress or compromise.
- Incorrect use of forceps or vacuum extractors.
- Use of excessive force or dangerous maneuvers during birth.
- Failure to identify or treat infections and other conditions in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit or nursery.
With the proper medical care and guidance, the risk of harm is relatively low in the United States. However, if you suspect that your child has been injured as a result of negligence during prenatal care, or in the delivery room or hospital, you may be entitled to pursue a medical malpractice claim.
The New Jersey birth injury attorneys at Blume Forte Fried Zerres & Molinari have the experience and resources to handle your case. We can help you understand your legal rights and options, and are available for a case evaluation at no cost to you. Contact us at 973-845-4421.