Virginia Birth Injury Lawyer
Of all the birth injuries, spinal cord injuries are perhaps the rarest and most serious. While they make up just five percent of all spinal cord cases in the U.S., these kinds of birth injuries can dramatically affect the way the child lives the rest of their life. Paralysis, permanent nerve damage, and pain are all likely when an infant’s spinal cord is damaged in the delivery process.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries at Birth
Spinal cord injuries occur when there is physical trauma during delivery. Babies experience an immense amount of pressure on their heads during the labor process, and when birthing tools like forceps and vacuum extractors are misused, spinal cord injuries can occur. Anytime the child’s head is hyperextended or improperly rotated, spinal cord injuries are possible.
Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries in Infants
Approximately 20 percent of spinal cord injuries at birth occur in the back or chest area, but the neck is perhaps the most common site of injuries in infants. Less common are lower back injuries. No matter where the infant was hurt, the consequences can be dire. After a complicated delivery, infants with spinal cord injuries may experience breathing difficulties, abnormal reflexes, paralysis, intellectual disabilities, lung and heart problems. In some cases, the baby succumbs to their injuries not long after they are born.
Negligence and Spinal Cord Injuries
Parents are unlikely to recognize medical malpractice when it happens. After all, the doctors and nurses are usually the most knowledgeable people in the room about recommended birthing practices. Still, parents who suspect their child’s spinal cord injuries stem from a negligent healthcare provider should consider speaking with an attorney. A Virginia medical malpractice lawyer can connect concerned families with medical experts who can look at the medical records and determine if the doctors deviated from the practices recommended by the medical community.
Compensation for Families
No amount of money can undo the damage done by a spinal cord injury. A settlement can, however, ensure that victims and their families have the brightest future possible. The reality is that the medical bills and the lifelong care needed for many spinal injury victims can be financially debilitating. By pursuing legal action against the doctors responsible for your child’s injuries, you ensure the best possible outcome for your loved ones.
Experienced Virginia Birth Injury Lawyers
Contact our office today for a free, no-risk consultation with a knowledgeable and compassionate Virginia birth injury lawyer.
Richard Serpe: Awards & Recognition
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating (highest given)
- Named a “Super Lawyer” – among the top 5 percent of lawyers in Virginia since 2006
- Lawyers.com 5/5 Star Rating
- Rated 10/10 – “Superb” by the online attorney rating service, Avvo.com
- Designated a Proctor by the Maritime Law Association of the United States (highest given)
- Recognized by Best Lawyers® since 2005
