Birth mistakes during labor and delivery can lead to serious injuries, medical conditions and even death. If related to negligence, a medical malpractice claim may compensate families for damages suffered. An Ohio medical malpractice lawyer in Cleveland may utilize various resources and evidence to establish negligence and liability for the injuries sustained. 

Potential Injuries from Birth Mistake 

Errors in the delivery room can lead to a variety of medical issues, including: 

• Cerebral palsy – This condition may be related to lack of oxygen to the brain. It may lead to motor skills impairment and may be associated with other developmental problems.
• Erb’s palsy – Caused by damage to the brachial plexus (nerves around the neck) that may affect movement of the arm.
• Facial palsy – If a birth mistake damages a cranial nerve, it may lead to a loss of control of facial muscles. It may go away on its own, but some require therapy.
• Cephalohematoma – This is a collection of blood between the skull and periosteum, which could increase risk for jaundice. It may be related to use of vacuum assisted delivery.

These injuries may be genetic or the result of normal labor and delivery procedures, but a birth mistake may also be to blame in some cases in Ohio. Medical malpractice lawyers in Cleveland may consult a medical expert to review the circumstances of the birth to determine if negligence and medical malpractice may be the cause of the injuries. 

How Birth Mistakes and Injuries Occur 

Birth injuries may occur through various types of negligence and medical malpractice. For example, doctors and nurses may fail to monitor the oxygen levels and heart rates of the baby and mother during labor. Not recognizing a lack of oxygen could lead to cerebral palsy in some cases.

The doctor may also be at fault for failing to properly address a situation in which the child becomes stuck in the birth canal. This could lead to damage the brachial plexus or other nerves because of trauma during the delivery. A doctor using forceps or vacuum extraction with too much force or using the devices improperly can cause injury to the baby, too.

An Ohio medical malpractice lawyer in Cleveland might use medical records from the labor and delivery process, as well as medical expert testimony, to assess the circumstances of the birth. If the doctor acted negligently, a medical malpractice claim may be filed to collect compensation for damages. 

Claiming Damages for Birth Mistake Negligence and Medical Malpractice 

Parents of a child who has suffered birth injuries may recover compensation for all medical bills, including: 

• hospitalization;
• surgery;
• rehabilitation;
• medical supplies; and
• medications.

If the mother is injured, the family can recover compensation for her medical bills as well. An Ohio medical malpractice lawyer can help collect bills, receipts and other documentation that demonstrate extent of the medical costs.

In addition, parents can claim damages for future care and treatment that may be required to address the birth injuries. This is where having an attorney helping with the case may be particularly important, as addressing future costs and required care may be difficult without legal help and expert medical testimony. 

Contacting Ohio Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Cleveland 

Although not all injuries and medical conditions can be prevented, doctors have the duty to take proper steps to properly address complications. Parents may request a copy of Was it A Mistake? Your Ohio Medical Malpractice Questions Answered, and can review their legal options in Ohio with medical malpractice lawyers in Cleveland at Mellino Robenalt LLC.

Call 440-333-3800 to set up an appointment with an attorney for help with a claim for negligence and medical malpractice involving birth mistakes.