Expectant Parents: Be Mindful Of These Potential Signs Of Medical Malpractice When Your Baby Arrives
Are you expecting a child? If so, you likely are anticipating meeting your newborn and raising a healthy baby. Sometimes individuals have healthy pregnancies, but issues can happen during the delivery or post-delivery. The following are a few things to be mindful of as you prepare for the birth of your baby.
Broken Bones
Babies have very strong bones because they are not hardened yet at birth. This does not mean that your baby's bones will be tough as a bouncing ball, though. Ensure you look at your baby carefully after birth and when hospital staff brings your baby to visit you. Some parents have discovered broken bones after their babies were released from the hospital. Babies with broken bones may cry more, especially if the area where the broken bones are located is touched. Cranial fractures can also occur when babies are dropped.
Cranial Hemorrhage
These types of hemorrhages can occur when deliveries are difficult. A common cause for them is the use of forceps when vaginal deliveries do not go as planned. Some doctors choose to use forceps to speed up deliveries. A minor form of cranial bleeding may also occur on the scalp when forceps are used. This is something that you need to monitor and take photos of as it heals.
Facial Paralysis
This is a condition that can sometimes occur when babies cry excessively. Busy hospital nurseries are sometimes understaffed. This can leave some babies crying and desiring for their nurturing needs to be met. Many cases of facial paralysis clear up on their own. Some babies may experience a more severe type of paralysis that is permanent.
Infections
Some babies require surgeries after birth. Complications with surgeries sometimes include infections. A number of hospital infections are referred to as nosocomial infections. These often occur when hospital staff do not practice good handwashing or when procedures are performed in an unsafe manner. Infection can also occur when protocols for wound care are not followed.
A medical malpractice lawyer is a good resource to use if you suspect injuries after the birth of your baby. They can help you to determine whether medical malpractice appears to exist, and they can also assist with building a case if negligence is discovered. Sometimes medical facilities and professionals admit to their fault. Settlements for these cases may be handled without a formal personal injury case being needed. A lawyer can ensure that the compensation amount extended to your child is fair. For example, your child might have future medical expenses or permanent disability due to their injuries, and it is wise to ensure that settlement offers take this into account.