When Do Birth Injury Problems Lead To A Medical Negligence Claim?
For more injury see our Birth Injury Claims section.
Usually the birth of a child is a time for celebration, but sadly on occasions this celebration can be short lived if the birth leads to an injury to the mother or the baby or, even, death. This article explores the possible complications and the action that can be taken if medical negligence has lead to the injury.
Fortunately the vast majority of births proceed relatively straightforwardly, and mother and baby are soon back at home. However, on occasions there can be times when, through no fault of their own, one or both suffer an injury that can have long reaching implications.
Problems With The Mother
These injuries can take many forms, including:
- Vaginal tears
- Tears of the perineum
- Pain
- Incontinence of urined and/or faeces
- Sexual dysfunction
Vaginal Tears
First and second degree vaginal tears are relatively common, but if they are third degree to fourth degree tears they can be far more serious and lead to longer term complications. One of the most common forms of medical negligence for vaginal tears is failing to identify the serious nature of the tear and failing to repair the tear correctly.
Pain And Incontinence
Complications can include ongoing pain and incontinence of urine and/or faeces. There are two ways of dealing with the incontinence, conservative management (such as bowel routines, diet and fluids and sphincter exercises) or surgical management (which involves anal sphincter repair).
Problems With The Baby
Medical negligence involving a baby can include:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Umbilical cord problems
- Brachial Plexus Injury
- Infant death
Cerebral Palsy/Umbilical Cord Problems
Cerebral Palsy can arise from the baby being deprived of oxygen perhaps due to spending too long in the birth canal, or from the umbilical cord becoming wrapped around the baby. It can also be caused by a failure to diagnose or treat jaundice or through the delay in the diagnosis of or treatment of serious injuries.
Brachial Plexus Injury
The Brachial Plexus is a network of nerves at the top of the neck. During childbirth the network can be damaged by excessive pulling of the baby by forceps or vacuum extraction.
What Action Can You Take?
If you believe that you have been the victim of any of the above or any other form of birth injury medical negligence, Glynns Solicitors can provide you with a free initial assessment of the prospects of making a claim for medical negligence compensation, and how you can fund a claim to include "no win, no fee".
Can We Help You With A Birth Injury Enquiry?
We will be happy to help you and to explain your options and to assess whether you can make a claim. Please call us free of charge on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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