There are several common causes of broken bones in infants. Some medical conditions may cause an infant to have fragile bones, which can make broken bones more probable during the birth process.
Babies that are born prematurely have an even greater risk for the kinds of conditions that can cause broken bones. If a child does not fully develop in the womb before birth, then their fragile bones could lead to fractures when they exit the birth canal.
Acts of medical negligence are also a common cause of broken bones in infants. For example, if a doctor or other medical professional fails to safely handle a baby as it exits the birth canal, he or she could risk breaking the baby’s bones. Forms of negligence, such as a failure to follow standard safety procedures, may also result in broken bones in an infant.
Treating Broken Bones in an Infant
Medical teams dealing with broken bones in an infant will examine many factors before deciding on the optimal treatment. The overall health and wellness of the baby are paramount. If the infant suffers from severely broken bones, then urgent medical intervention may be necessary.
Possible forms of intervention include placing the child on life support devices while the bone heals or performing surgery. Ongoing medical support may be necessary, as well. Physical therapy programs can help a baby build up strength and range of motion after breaking bones.
When fragile bones due to a medical condition are to blame for an infant’s fracture, there may be natural preventative measures parents and doctors can take to decrease the likelihood of more broken bones.
For instance, a lack of Vitamin D can cause conditions such as osteopenia, in which bones lose mass and become weaker. Medical professionals may recommend prescription medications, dietary adjustments, vitamins, and supplements to ensure an infant’s bones strengthen in light of this condition.
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Handling Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice is a common cause of broken bones in infants. Sometimes doctors and other medical professionals may rush through the birthing process, as prolonged time in the birth canal can be harmful.
If the baby has any vulnerability to rough handling or contact as a result of premature birth or other conditions, one misstep can cause a broken bone. Even a healthy baby can experience broken bones in the event of a doctor’s negligence.
For example, a breech birth, in which the baby is in the wrong position, can cause difficulties in labor. Doctors must be aware of this and proceed accordingly to ensure the baby is able to pass through the birth canal safely. If this is not possible, a Cesarean section may be necessary to prevent injury to the infant.
Evidence
Proving an act of medical malpractice requires an intensive evidence-gathering process. It will require medical records of the baby and the mother both before and after birth, as well as any relevant records on the medical professional suspected of malpractice. Photographs, video footage, and eyewitness testimonies may also support these claims. There are many stages to the process, and several complex federal, state, and local laws may come into play.
If you are dealing with an act of medical malpractice or negligence that caused broken bones in your infant, then you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, as well as your child’s pain and suffering. A lawyer who takes on birth injury and medical malpractice cases may help you pursue these recoverable damages so you can place your attention on your family.
Contact a Birth Injury Lawyer
If you suspect that medical malpractice or negligence is to blame for your infant’s broken bone, then you may deserve compensation. While there may be many common causes of infant broken bones, dealing with the aftermath of these situations can be both emotionally and financially taxing.
The sooner you contact a lawyer who takes on birth injury cases, the sooner he or she can begin to gather evidence and construct a case to prove your claim. It can be confusing to examine laws that apply to acts of medical malpractice on your own. A lawyer who works on these cases can stand by your side to help you interpret the law and seek justice on your behalf.
Get in touch with a member of the team at the Birth Injury Lawyers Group today. Call (800) 222-9529 to set up a free consultation.
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