Birth asphyxia, or perinatal asphyxia, occurs when a newborn does not receive enough oxygen before, during, or shortly after birth. This oxygen deprivation can result in serious complications, such as cerebral palsy. If medical negligence is responsible for your child’s condition, an experienced birth asphyxia lawyer in Ohio can help you seek justice.
At Birth Injury Lawyers Group, we protect the rights of families with children affected by birth injuries. With over $750 million recovered for our clients, our team has a proven track record of success. Our experienced Ohio birth injury lawyers will build a case based on evidence to demonstrate negligence. Contact us for a free legal consultation.
Compassionate Legal Guidance From Our Birth Asphyxia Attorneys in Ohio
When a newborn is facing health challenges, it’s hard for parents to focus on the next steps. Trust an experienced birth injury lawyer to guide you through this difficult time. After evaluating your claim, we will provide clear advice on how to strengthen your case.
Our founder, attorney Robert Goldwater, has personally experienced the difficulties and victories brought on by raising kids with serious medical conditions. His three children faced complications at birth, and two were diagnosed with cerebral palsy. We understand the immense uncertainty you’re facing and will give you all the information you need.
What Is Birth Asphyxia?
Birth asphyxia is a serious condition that occurs when they are deprived of sufficient oxygen, leading to significant health issues. This oxygen deprivation can be either partial (hypoxia) or complete (anoxia). While birth asphyxia usually arises during the delivery process or immediately before, it can also manifest shortly after birth.
Symptoms of birth asphyxia can include:
- A bluish tint to the skin
- Difficulty breathing
- Poor muscle tone
- Abnormal heart rate
- Weak or absent reflexes
- Seizures
Asphyxia in newborns can lead to serious medical conditions like cerebral palsy and brain damage. Immediate medical intervention is crucial to address the oxygen deprivation and minimize potential long-term effects. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the chances of a better outcome for the affected infant.
Medical Errors Can Lead to Birth Asphyxia
Medical negligence happens when healthcare providers do not meet the expected standard of care, resulting in harm or injury to a patient. If your child has been injured due to such negligence, you have the right to pursue compensation.
Common medical mistakes that can cause birth asphyxia include:
- Improper a C-section
- Failure to monitor fetal distress
- Mismanagement of delivery
- Incorrect use of delivery instruments
- Medication errors
- Misdiagnosis or failure to treat maternal infections
- Failure to address umbilical cord problems
These types of preventable medical mistakes can have devastating, lifelong consequences for the child, leading to developmental delays and disabilities. When birth asphyxia is caused by medical negligence, families may seek financial compensation through a medical malpractice lawsuit to help cover the significant costs of caring for a child with these serious injuries.
Birth asphyxia can arise from multiple factors beyond medical errors. Natural complications during pregnancy and pre-existing maternal health issues are among the potential triggers. Although medical negligence can cause birth asphyxia, some causes are unfortunately beyond control.
Who Is Responsible for Causing Birth Asphyxia in a Newborn?
The medical staff has a fundamental duty of care to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the newborn throughout the labor and delivery process. When they fail to meet this duty and cause harm, they can be liable for the damages caused.
Any of the following parties could be at fault for birth asphyxia:
- Obstetricians
- Nurses
- Midwives
- Anesthesiologists
- Pediatricians
- Hospital staff
Birth Injury Lawyers Group will investigate your case and determine who is responsible for your child’s condition. We will use all the available evidence to build a strong case against the negligent medical practitioner.
Available Damages in a Birth Injury Claim
The financial burden of a birth injury can be significant and enduring for families. Initial medical expenses can be high, covering emergency procedures and prolonged hospital stays. Over time, ongoing costs may include specialized medical treatments, physical therapy, and necessary adaptive equipment as the child develops.
Possible compensation in a birth asphyxia case can cover the following:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Home modification expenses
- Lost earnings
- Loss of earning potential
- Pain and suffering
As your Ohio birth asphyxia attorneys, we will assess the birth injury’s financial impact. We will determine both your current expenses related to the condition and estimate any future costs you may incur.
Ohio Has a Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit
The statute of limitations establishes how long you have to file a lawsuit against the defendant. In Ohio, most medical malpractice lawsuits must be filed one year from the date of the medical error or the discovery date but no later than four years.
If the injured victim is a minor, the statute of limitations is tolled. Thus, the clock only starts ticking after their 18th birthday. While this may seem like a long time, the sooner you act, the better your chances of a successful case are, and you could recover a higher compensation.
Call Experienced Birth Asphyxia Lawyers in Ohio
When medical negligence harms your child, you have the right to hold the at-fault party accountable and recover compensation. Lack of oxygen during delivery is a major contributor to cerebral palsy and other long-term disabilities.
Often, birth asphyxia stems from errors made by healthcare providers during labor and delivery. An experienced birth asphyxia attorney in Ohio will examine your child’s situation to determine if you have grounds for a claim.
Pursuing legal action can secure the financial compensation needed for your child’s extensive medical care and future expenses. Contact Birth Injury Lawyers Group today for a free consultation and take the first step toward a better future for your family.