Most people in Tennessee likely accept the fact that doctors, like anybody else, can make mistakes. However, very few will accept errors that are caused by negligence. If birth injuries are the result of medical negligence, the consequences could affect the child for the rest of his or her life. Even when birth injuries do not cause permanent harm, the idea of causing pain and suffering to a newborn child is unacceptable.
One of the common orthopedic injuries a baby can suffer during childbirth pertains to Erb’s Palsy, or Brachial Plexus Injuries. These injuries can happen when the baby’s head and one of his or her arms are pulled in separate directions. This can damage the nerves between the arm and neck, situated underneath the collarbone. The collarbone, or clavicle, that connects the shoulder and the chest can also be fractured, subsequently causing pain in the area of the fracture.
If the infant’s thighbone, or femur, is twisted awkwardly during the birthing process, it could be fractured. Although not as common as clavicle fractures, this can cause pain whenever the child’s diaper is changed — in fact, any movement the child makes could be painful. Another common type of orthopedic injury is called a growth plate fracture, which could happen at the growth ends of any of the child’s long bones, like those in the legs and arms. These fractures are not typically visible on x-rays, and swelling usually serves as an indication.
Although doctors say some of these injuries may heal within weeks or months, these painful conditions can jeopardize the ability of parents to hold, cuddle and bond with their baby until his or her injuries heal. Although very few parents may be willing to accept such injuries as unfortunate mistakes, rushing into filing a medical malpractice lawsuit might not be wise. Since proving medical negligence in these cases is exceptionally challenging, one could benefit from retaining the services of an experienced attorney. A lawyer in Tennessee can assess the details to determine the viability of the case, and if grounds exist, provide the necessary support and guidance throughout ensuing legal proceedings.
