What Are Some of The Common Questions Your Clients Have Concerning Tennessee Birth Injury Cases?

When a child has been needlessly injured at the hands of negligent medical professionals, it can be simply devastating. Families affected by this tragic set of circumstances are often left with much confusion and uncertainty as to their rights as well as their ability to afford to properly care for the needs of their special child. If this is the situation that you are currently facing, it is important to realize that you may have a number of legal options to consider. The first step in the process however is to speak with a qualified birth injury attorney who can review the facts of your case and determine whether filing a lawsuit is right for you. In the meantime, our seasoned Memphis birth injury attorneys have put together a number of frequently asked questions that can help guide you as you contemplate whether or not you wish to pursue a legal path regarding your child’s case. These are as follows:

Q: What’s the difference between a birth injury and a birth defect?

Oftentimes, birth injuries are caused by something that goes awry during childbirth. On the other hand, birth defects most often involve harm that takes place before birth, which can stem from many different and sometimes unknown causes.

Q: What kinds of birth injuries typically result in legal action?

While the facts of each case may vary, when a doctor fails to respond to impending or present complications during labor, pregnancy and/or delivery, a legal action may be warranted. Another common occurrence that results in legal action is when a baby is injured by a prescription drug the mother takes during the pregnancy, which causes serious and sometimes life-threatening defects.

Q: What are the most common causes of birth injury and trauma?

Unfortunately, there are a variety of medical errors and other factors that can cause birth injuries. For instance, the improper use of vacuum extractors/forceps, the failure to respond when a child begins to experience fetal distress, the lack of or poor management of high-risk pregnancies, and a delay in ordering a C-section can all lead to birth trauma and severe injuries.

Q: After a child is born, what symptoms may indicate a birth injury?

While there are several different signs and symptoms of birth injuries, typically bumps, bruising, the swelling of the head, and/or a low APGAR score indicate that medical complications may be present. Additionally, muscle tremors, seizures, lack of facial expression, a bluish skin color at birth, or abnormal movement over the course of the first several months of an infant’s life may also be telling signs that a child has sustained birth injuries/trauma.

Q: How common are birth injuries?

About five to seven out of every 1,000 babies born in the United States are at risk of being injured during birth.

Q: How common are birth defects?

Each year, approximately 3% of children in the United States are born with some type of birth defect.

Q: How can an expert help me provide that medical malpractice has taken place?

As a result of their clinical experience, birth injury experts are able to testify to the jury as to what they believe occurred in your child’s case. Specifically, they have the training and expertise necessary to research the causes of your child’s injuries, including whether or not it occurred due to medical errors/professional negligence. For example, in most cases, said experts are other doctors, who can also determine whether your doctor and other medical professionals failed to meet the standard of care necessary to ensure the safe delivery of your child.

Q: What is cerebral palsy?

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition that causes a number of different disorders and life-disabling complications. Specifically, CP often arises as a result of a lack of oxygen sustained by a child during labor/delivery and can drastically affect a child’s body movement or brain function. However, it is important to keep in mind that the condition can also be genetic, which testing can readily reveal. Overall, an injury to the child’s brain (i.e. oxygen deprivation) while inside the womb, during delivery, or after birth may cause cerebral palsy.

The Tennessee birth injury lawyers at the firm of Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC have extensive experience handling birth injury claims in Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Georgia, and Missouri. We are compassionate, caring and fully understand the pain, anxiety, and financial hardship that a birth injury can cause for families. To learn more about your legal options, contact us toll free at 888-470-9143 or locally at 901-680-9777 to schedule your free and completely confidential consultation.