The complications of birth asphyxia are often permanent and may present challenges for your child throughout their lifetime. They can range from mild to severe and affect many possible areas of the body and many possible organ systems. A child who experienced neonatal asphyxia and oxygen deprivation may develop complications and injuries that include:
- Cerebral palsy, a common condition that affects motor skills and movement
- Developmental delays
- Epilepsy, a seizure disorder
- Intellectual and cognitive disabilities
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Learning delays that make it difficult for them to keep up with their peers
- Vision impairments
- Hearing impairments
- Damage to vital organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, intestines, or liver
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Birth Asphyxia Causes Lifelong Complications in Many Children
When a child’s organs, particularly the brain, receives only reduced blood flow and oxygenation–or no blood flow and oxygen–for a period, there is a risk of serious injury or death. The longer this period lasts and the less oxygen their organs receive, the higher the risk of permanent disabilities, lifelong challenges, or severe injuries that are unsurvivable.
When a baby experiences birth asphyxia just before, during, or immediately after delivery, damage to their brain is a primary concern. Cerebral palsy can be one lasting outcome of such damage to the brain. A study published in the journal
Frontiers in Neurology found that the frequency of cerebral palsy diagnoses among newborns was substantially higher among newborns that experienced birth asphyxia. The study found that preventing birth asphyxia is a crucial means of preventing cerebral palsy.
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There Are Also Non-Medical Complications of Birth Injuries
The complications of birth asphyxia are not limited only to physical injuries. There may be other lasting effects that the child experiences.
Children living with special medical needs often face unique stressors such as mental anguish about their limitations, difficulties with social situations, and emotional distress such as depression and anxiety. The mental, emotional, and social impacts of permanent, preventable injuries should not be underestimated. Children and teens may benefit from mental health counseling that addresses the unique concerns of those living with special needs.
Birth injuries also come with stress and frustration for the child’s parents. It is only natural to experience sadness, anger, and other emotions following your child’s injury. You may also have additional concerns related to your family’s finances or paying for your child’s current and future care. Support groups for families with a similar diagnosis may help. Your doctor or attorney may be able to connect you with a group near you.
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You May Be Able to Secure Compensation for Your Child’s Care
If you can show that your child’s birth asphyxia or the complications your child experienced were preventable and occurred because of medical negligence, you may be able to seek compensation. An attorney who handles medical malpractice cases in your state can help you obtain your child’s medical records, work with an expert to verify malpractice, and build a case to hold the doctor or medical facility responsible in civil court.
Medical malpractice birth injury lawyers handle these cases based on contingency fees, meaning your family will not need to pay anything out of your pocket to pursue compensation. Your attorney will help you assign liability, develop a case, meet applicable state deadlines, and seek compensation for your child’s care needs. This includes:
- Current medical bills related to your child’s diagnosis and care
- Future medical care, therapy, and other medical needs
- Ongoing care costs
- Time missed at work as needed to care for your child
- Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, gait trainers, or hearing aids
- Pain and suffering damages
- Emotional distress
- And more
Your lawyer can speak with you more about the particular forms of losses you may be able to claim based on the details of your situation. As a part of building your case, your lawyer will work with you to identify the losses your family incurred and will likely incur as a result of your baby’s birth injury. This may require investigating documents such as medical bills as well as gathering expert testimony from doctors about your child’s prognosis and care.
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If your child was a victim of birth asphyxia and now has complications such as cerebral palsy, organ damage, hearing loss, or other concerns, you may be able to build a case to hold the negligent doctor or the hospital legally liable.
You can learn more about the strength of your case today by calling the Birth Injury Lawyers Group for a complimentary case review. Call (800) 222-9529 to get help today.
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