An estimated 1.5 million people are injured due to medical errors in the United States each year. In some cases, those injuries affect the youngest of all patients: newborns. In fact, approximately 7 in 1,000 babies suffer injuries before, during, or just after birth, and a significant portion of those instances involve medical mistakes. Birth injuries are among the leading causes of death among infants, and those who survive often suffer lifelong repercussions. 

If your baby suffered a birth injury and you believe it was caused by the negligence of medical professionals, you have the right to seek justice and compensation. Your first step should be contacting Romanucci Blandin Law. In the meantime, consider the following legal advice for dealing with the aftermath of medical errors and pursuing your case. 

Understand the Warning Signs of Birth Injuries

For one, it’s important to understand the potential warning signs of birth injuries. Some indications of fetal distress during labor include high or low heart rate and a lack of movement in the womb. Others signs of injury may be evident immediately or shortly after birth, such as trouble breathing, bluish skin, skull fractures, muscle stiffness or limpness, and the baby arching his or her back when crying. Certain effects don’t become noticeable until a few weeks or months after the fact. Those might include cerebral palsy and failure to meet developmental milestones to name a few. 

Many of these warning signs aren’t always the result of negligence or medical errors. Some of them can be caused by a variety of issues. Still, if you feel that medical professionals failed to provide adequate care during your pregnancy, delivery, or after your child’s birth, don’t hesitate to consult with an attorney. 

Document Everything That May Be Relevant to Your Case

Documenting everything that may be relevant to your baby’s injuries and your case is also recommended. That includes acquiring records of all your prenatal appointments, hospital records for you and your baby, and documentation of your postpartum checkups and your baby’s doctor visits. If your baby has visible injuries, be sure to take pictures of them. Those records contain details that will be vital to your case. Hospitals and clinics are required by law to provide patients copies of their medical records upon request. If any medical facility that provided care for you and your baby refuses, your attorney can intervene on your behalf. 

Be Careful About Discussing Your Case With Others

Being cautious about who you share details about your case with is essential as well. Don’t answer questions from the hospital, your obstetrician, other medical professionals who were involved in the incident, or their legal representatives without your attorney being present. Avoid discussing your case on social media. Anything you post online could ultimately be held against you. Along those same lines, be careful about divulging information to anyone you’re not sure you can trust. 

Protecting Your Family’s Rights 

Not all birth injuries can be prevented, but many of them can. Unfortunately, a number of them are caused by negligence on the part of medical professionals. If your baby was injured or lost his or her life due to inadequate medical care, you have the right to ensure those responsible are held accountable. Be sure to document everything related to your case and your baby’s injuries, and be careful who you share information with. Beyond that, contact an attorney as soon as you suspect something is wrong.

Published by HOLR Magazine.