NOTE: Our law firm does not handle medical malpractice cases. This article is for informational purposes only. Information found in the article does not constitute as formal legal advice and does not create an attorney/client relationship.
When medical professionals make critical errors during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, the consequences can be lifelong. Holding healthcare providers accountable for those mistakes in Dundalk, MD, is a complex task that demands legal skill, medical insight, and a commitment to advocacy.
Types of Birth Injuries in Dundalk
Birth injuries can result from oxygen deprivation, trauma during delivery, or improper prenatal care. Some conditions are treatable, while others may cause permanent disabilities.
- Brachial plexus injuries (including Erb’s Palsy)
- Cerebral Palsy
- Spinal cord injuries
- Shoulder dystocia
- Brain bleeding (intracranial hemorrhage)
- Fractures sustained during delivery
- Subconjunctival hemorrhages (eye injuries)
- Oxygen deprivation due to placental issues
- Cephalohematoma
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Birth Injuries in Dundalk?
Some birth injuries are immediately apparent. Others emerge only as your child misses developmental milestones or displays unexplained symptoms later on.
Signs of birth injuries present at or soon after delivery may include:
- Bruising or swelling on the head or body
- Seizures shortly after birth
- Difficulty breathing or irregular heart rate
- Poor muscle tone or limpness
- Excessive fussiness or high-pitched crying
- Lack of reflexes or poor responsiveness
Longer-term symptoms that might emerge in infancy or early childhood include:
- Delays in walking, crawling, or speaking
- Trouble grasping objects or using limbs
- Feeding difficulties
- Lack of coordination
- Hearing or vision issues
- Unusual posture or movement patterns
Early intervention is critical, so if you suspect a problem, consult both a pediatrician and a qualified Dundalk birth injury attorney.
What Causes Birth Injuries in Dundalk, Maryland?
Many birth injuries are preventable. When medical staff deviate from accepted standards of care, the results can be devastating for the infant and family.
Common causes of birth injuries include:
- Failure to monitor fetal distress
- Delayed or missed C-section
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction tools
- Incorrect medication or dosage during labor
- Negligent prenatal care or failure to diagnose complications
- Inadequate training or communication among staff
- Oxygen deprivation due to umbilical cord or placental issues
What Compensation Can You Recover for a Birth Injury in Maryland?
In Maryland, families affected by birth injuries may be eligible to recover both economic and non-economic damages. These awards cover current losses and help secure your child’s future.
Economic damages may include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Costs for therapy and rehabilitation
- Assistive equipment and home modifications
- Special education expenses
- Lost wages for parents who must provide care
- Future loss of earning capacity for the child
Non-economic damages address the emotional and psychological toll:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
- Emotional impact on family members
- Loss of parental companionship or normal childhood experience
If you believe you have a medical malpractice claim, call us. We can refer you to a lawyer who handles these cases.