Organ Damage
Baltimore Medical Malpractice Attorneys Proudly Representing Families Affected by Serious Birth Injuries
Organ damage during the labor and delivery process can have devastating results. In many cases, the brain, kidneys, or heart of a newborn baby will suffer irreversible injury as a result of medical malpractice. At Lebowitz & Mzhen, Personal Injury Lawyers, our compassionate birth injury lawyers have over 25 years of hands-on experience helping Baltimore families understand their legal rights and pursue compensation from negligent healthcare providers. We understand that a healthcare professional’s carelessness can have tragic and often permanent consequences on your family, and we are ready to help you pursue the compensation that you deserve.
What Types of Organ Damage Can Occur During Childbirth?
Organ damage during childbirth can occur in several different ways. For example, the brain is particularly vulnerable to injury, often due to oxygen deprivation, which can lead to conditions such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and cerebral palsy. The lungs may also become damaged if a baby experiences respiratory distress or if ventilation is improperly managed. Cardiac issues may arise due to birth complications, leading to heart failure or other long-term heart conditions. Additionally, the kidneys or liver may suffer from trauma during delivery, especially in cases where there is excessive pressure, oxygen deprivation, or the improper use of medical instruments, such as forceps or vacuum extractors.
How Can Medical Negligence Lead to Organ Damage in A Newborn?
There are multiple errors that can occur during the labor and delivery process that may cause organ damage in a newborn. One common scenario is the failure to properly monitor fetal oxygen levels during labor, which can result in prolonged oxygen deprivation and subsequent brain damage.
Medical professionals are trained to detect signs of fetal distress, such as irregular heart rates, but failure to act quickly or appropriately—such as by not ordering a timely C-section—can cause significant harm. Additionally, the improper use of medical instruments, like forceps or vacuum extractors, can physically damage internal organs.
A doctor may also be negligent if they fail to address complications like umbilical cord prolapse or placental abruption, both of which can restrict the baby’s oxygen supply and cause damage to vital organs.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Organ Damage in Newborns?
The long-term effects of organ damage depend on the severity and type of injury. For example, brain damage due to oxygen deprivation can result in cognitive disabilities, motor skill impairments, and conditions like cerebral palsy, which may affect a child for the rest of their life. Lung damage can lead to chronic respiratory issues, requiring ongoing medical treatment and the use of ventilators or other breathing aids. Heart damage could result in congenital heart disease or other cardiovascular problems, necessitating regular monitoring and possibly surgery. Kidney or liver damage may impair the child’s ability to process waste and toxins, leading to frequent hospitalizations and the requirement for long-term medical care. In severe cases, organ damage may result in lifelong disabilities, developmental delays, and a reduced quality of life. Too often, the emotional and financial toll on families is significant, as children with organ damage may require ongoing therapy, special education, and long-term medical support.
What Compensation Can I Seek if My Child Suffered Organ Damage During Birth?
If your child suffered organ damage due to medical negligence during the labor and delivery process, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation. First and foremost, compensation can cover past and future medical expenses, including surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation services. You may also be entitled to damages for pain and suffering, both for the child and the parents.
In cases where organ damage results in a long-term disability, a damages award may also cover the costs of specialized equipment, in-home care, and therapies such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy. Additionally, if you or your spouse has had to reduce your work hours or leave your job to care for your child, you may seek compensation for your lost wages. An experienced Baltimore birth injury attorney can help ensure that all current and future needs are accounted for when pursuing compensation.
How Can a Birth Injury Lawyer Help with Organ Damage Claims?
A birth injury lawyer is an invaluable resource for those parents pursuing compensation for their child’s organ damage. First, a birth injury attorney will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the birth, reviewing medical records, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with medical experts to determine whether negligence occurred. This may involve identifying mistakes made during labor, delivery, or postnatal care. A skilled attorney will also gather evidence to build a strong case, often working with specialized experts who can explain how the standard of care was breached and how this breach directly led to the child’s injury. In other words, the expert can help explain complex medical concepts to the judge or jurors, who may not have the necessary level of understanding.
Beyond building a case, a birth injury lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to secure a fair settlement or, if necessary, represent you in court. Ultimately, their goal is to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation needed to support your child’s care, both now and in the future.
Consult with a Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyer About Your Child’s Preventable Birth Injury
At Lebowitz & Mzhen, Personal Injury Lawyers, our medical malpractice attorneys have successfully represented residents of Baltimore and the surrounding communities in many birth injury cases, including those involving serious organ damage. We strongly believe that negligent healthcare professionals should be held accountable for the harm that they cause, and we’re able to do just that. Our compassionate lawyers and support staff understand that these situations are deeply stressful, and we aim to make the recovery process as seamless as possible. We proudly serve clients throughout Maryland and in Washington, D.C. For more information, call us toll-free at (800) 654-1949 or at (410) 654-3600. You can contact us online to set up a free consultation.