For every 1,000 babies born in the U.S., approximately seven will suffer an injury. A significant portion of these injuries are highly avoidable and caused by medical negligence. 

And it’s not only babies that are at risk of suffering harm caused by the incompetence of a medical professional. Despite the advances in obstetrics, women still face a significant risk of being injured or even dying during the birthing process. In fact, statistics by the World Health Organization show that expecting American mothers are four times more likely to die while delivering than their counterparts in regions like Scandinavia. 

Childbirth malpractice cases are not as rare as one might think. Each year in the U.S., approximately 14,000 injuries to newborns occur because of negligence. Sometimes, medical negligence can result in serious brain injury or chronic diseases such as cerebral palsy that require round-the-clock care for the life of the injured newborn.

Top Causes of Childbirth Medical Error

There are several factors that may contribute to the injury or death of an expecting mother or newborn, including: 

• Failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis: As an example, a mother can develop preeclampsia, a potentially dangerous high blood pressure condition during pregnancy, but the mother’s swelling was misdiagnosed as a common side effect of pregnancy. 
• Miscommunication among medical staff.
• Side effects of prescription drugs dispensed to the mother that causes harm to the newborn. 
• Misuse of medical tools such as forceps or vacuums. 
• Failure to administer C-section delivery.

Most Common Injuries to Newborns

A difficult delivery or one caused by medical negligence can result in various injuries to a fragile newborn, including paralysis, broken bones, cerebral palsy, brain damage, hemorrhaging and bruising. 

If you or your child has suffered a medical injury that you believe is due to malpractice, you will need an experienced medical malpractice attorney to help you pursue your case. The best way to find an experienced medical malpractice attorney in your area is with Attorney at Law.

At AAL, our nationwide network of law firms and attorneys ensures that we can match you with the best attorney for your case in your area. Our partner firms are carefully selected based on a number of factors including:

• Winning record
• Extensive resources
• Experienced attorneys
• Exceptional client care

At AAL, we understand that being injured during what’s supposed to be the most joyous experience of your life or having your child suffer when entering this world is one of the most stressful life events you will ever endure. 

You don’t need the extra stress of filing a lawsuit. We partner with firms that take the stress out of the equation. So don’t wait. Contact AAL today for a free, no-obligation consultation and begin your journey to recovery.