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Paulozzi LPA fought long and hard (understatement) for me to get the best outcome possible after my car accident. Joe Paulozzi and Amy Higgins were wonderful… dedicated, persevering, and honest. I cannot thank them enough, and I highly recommend them to anyone who wants excellent and proactive representation.

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The last thing a mother wants to hear after giving birth is that there’s a problem, especially a birth injury. Newborns injured due to medical negligence face high medical bills, physical challenges, and emotional hardships. The infant may require years of aftercare, therapy, and medical attention, which takes a toll on the family. Parents must learn to care for a child with special needs, who could have been healthy if complications were avoided.

Statistics show that birth injuries affect about 7 out of every 1,000 newborns in the U.S. alone. The Ohio birth injury attorneys at Paulozzi are committed to guiding parents through their child’s condition. We ensure the care, support, and compensation every parent deserves. If you’re dealing with medical negligence involving your newborn, contact us at 800-LAW-OHIO or email us at contactus@lawohio.com.

What Are Birth Injuries? Understanding the Basics

Birth injuries refer to traumas infants experience before, during, or shortly after childbirth. The severity ranges from minor issues to severe, life-threatening conditions. In some cases, birth injuries heal naturally, and the infant will have few problems. Unfortunately, some infants will require extensive treatment and may face long-term complications.

Causes of Birth Injuries

Medical professionals are trained to avoid certain actions, but mistakes can still happen. For example, a doctor might leave the delivery to a nurse, leading to potential issues. In other cases, a nurse might administer the wrong medication or dosage, resulting in harm. Sometimes, unqualified midwives handle emergency births, leading to injuries. Birth injuries can occur for various reasons.

Common Types of Birth Injuries

Some common birth injuries include:

  • Forceps marks and bruising: Improper use of forceps during delivery can cause marks and bruises on the newborn.
  • Fractures: Clavicle or collarbone fractures are common, especially in breech deliveries.
  • Brachial palsy: Issues with shoulder delivery can lead to brachial palsy, affecting nerves responsible for arm and hand movement. Proper handling is essential to prevent permanent damage.
  • Facial paralysis: Excessive pressure on the infant’s face during birth can injure facial nerves, leading to paralysis. Severe cases may require surgery.
  • Cephalohematoma: Trauma during birth can cause blood to accumulate under the scalp, leading to cephalohematoma.
  • Caput succedaneum: Improper vacuum extraction can cause swelling of the baby’s scalp during long labor or instrument-assisted delivery.
  • Neonatal falls: Falls during hospital stays can result in injuries, some of which may cause permanent damage.

These are just a few examples of birth injuries resulting from medical negligence and malpractice.

The Challenges of Proving Birth Injuries

Proving birth injuries is challenging because the link between the injury and medical negligence is not always clear. However, parents should never assume that birth injuries are unavoidable. A seasoned birth injury attorney can review medical records and consult experts to determine if the injury could have been prevented.

To be compensable, a birth injury claim must prove that the medical practitioner acted negligently and breached their duty to the patient. It must also be shown that this negligence harmed the baby and resulted in damages. Compensation often includes medical costs, pain and suffering, and payment for future medical care.

Contact an Ohio Birth Injury Attorney Today

If you suspect that you and your baby are victims of medical malpractice, contact Paulozzi’s experienced Ohio birth injury attorneys. Don’t wait to seek justice and compensation for the hardships caused by negligent healthcare providers. Call us at 800-LAW-OHIO today.

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