Birth Injuries

It is estimated that between two and seven babies out of 1,000 will suffer birth trauma. Injuries to babies during pregnancy and delivery can be the result of medical malpractice.

Medical providers are required to monitor and provide adequate care for an expectant mother during pregnancy, labor and delivery and immediately after the delivery of the infant. Failure to do so can result in the doctors, nurses, and other caregivers being held accountable for the outcome of the pregnancy. Some care problems that may result in birth injuries include:

• Failure to act on changes in the mother's condition during pregnancy.
  
• Failure to interpret and respond to fetal changes during labor.
  
• Failure to order specific tests during pregnancy and/or failure in interpreting tests correctly.
  
• Failure to perform a cesarean section during fetal distress.
  
• Failure to deliver the baby when the membranes have been ruptured for more than 24 hours.
  

Certain conditions associated with a difficult birth can lead to birth injuries. Some of these are: large babies (birth weight over 8 pounds, 13 ounces), premature babies (babies born before 37 weeks), cephalopelvic disproportion (the size and shape of the mother's pelvis is not adequate for a vaginal birth), difficult/prolonged labor and/or childbirth, and breech delivery.

For more information please visit the following websites:

Birth Defect Research for Children, Inc.
Alcohol Related Birth Injury (FAS/FAE) Resource Site
United Brachial Plexus Network

Lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain or trauma to the head during labor and delivery can cause cerebral palsy which is a permanent condition that results from damage to the motor area of the brain. Cerebral palsy results in a compromised ability to control movement. For more information, please visit the following websites:

The American Academy for Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine
United Cerebral Palsy Association

Families and victims of birth injuries sometimes face lifelong struggles with practical and financial challenges. The laws governing medical malpractice suits are among the most complex of all personal injury laws. It is important to speak with an attorney familiar with Missouri & Kansas law. At The Law Offices of Barry R. Grissom, you can rest assured that we are dedicated to protecting your rights.

For more information on medical resources you may want to visit the following websites:

Agency for Health Care Research and Quality
National Guideline Clearinghouse
Medline Plus News at:
Medicine Plus Encyclopedia
Medicine Pluse Drug Information
New England Journal of Medicine
Institute of Medicine