Birth injuries are typically diagnosed through a series of medical assessments and evaluations shortly after delivery. However some birth injuries do not exhibit symptoms for months or even years. A birth injury lawyer in Charleston, WV can help you explore your options if your child suffered avoidable harm.
Immediate Post-Delivery Assessment
Diagnosing a birth injury begins with an immediate post-delivery assessment conducted by healthcare providers. This involves a meticulous physical examination of the newborn to identify any visible signs of distress or abnormalities. Bruising, swelling, and breathing difficulties are among the initial indicators that alert medical professionals to potential issues.
Diagnostic Tools
Diagnostic tools such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs can offer a comprehensive view of the infant’s internal structures, allowing healthcare providers to pinpoint the location and severity of any potential injuries.
Blood Tests and Comprehensive Screening
In certain cases, blood tests are administered to ascertain if there are underlying medical conditions that may have contributed to the birth injury. These tests can reveal genetic predispositions, metabolic disorders, or other factors that could have played a role.
This evaluation and testing information is pivotal in establishing liability in a medical malpractice case.
Long-Term Monitoring and Specialist Consultations
Birth injury diagnoses extend beyond the initial assessment. Continuous monitoring and follow-up assessments are essential to track the infant’s progress and address any potential complications. Collaboration with specialists, including pediatric neurologists and orthopedic surgeons, is often required to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the diagnosis and the best course of action for the child’s future.
Types of Birth Injury Treatment
The specific treatment plan for a birth injury will depend on the type and severity of the injury, as well as the individual needs of the child.
Medical Management
Medications may be prescribed to manage pain, reduce inflammation, or address underlying conditions.
Specialized Therapies
Some birth injuries may require specialized therapies such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy to improve mobility, coordination, and communication skills.
Surgical Interventions
For certain birth injuries like fractures, nerve injuries, or congenital abnormalities, surgical procedures may be necessary to repair or reconstruct affected areas. In cases of severe head or brain injuries, neurosurgery may be required to alleviate pressure, remove obstructions, or repair damaged tissue.
Orthopedic Interventions
Birth injuries affecting bones or joints may necessitate the use of braces, casts, or splints to provide support, stabilize fractures, or correct deformities. Complex bone injuries may require surgical interventions to realign, stabilize, or reconstruct skeletal structures.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Premature birth or severe birth injuries may require intensive monitoring in the NICU, where specialized equipment and medical professionals can provide around-the-clock care.
Respiratory Support
For infants with respiratory distress due to birth injuries, mechanical ventilation may be employed to assist with breathing until the infant can do so independently.
Legal Recourse for Preventable Birth Injuries
When a child sustains a preventable injury during the birthing process due to medical negligence or malpractice, parents or guardians have the option to pursue a birth injury lawsuit. These lawsuits seek to hold healthcare providers accountable for the harm caused to the infant. To establish a successful birth injury case, it is crucial to demonstrate that the healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care expected of them, directly leading to the infant’s harm. Compensation sought in these lawsuits may cover medical expenses, ongoing care, rehabilitation, and other related costs. Speak to a trusted Charleston, WV medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. They can help you navigate the complexities of such cases and ensure your family receives justice and the compensation your child deserves.