Many people mistakenly associate birth injuries with only those suffered during labor or immediately post-delivery. However, this is not comprehensive of all times that birth injuries can occur. Birth injuries can occur prior to, during and immediately following an infant’s birth. This includes birth injuries like hypoxia, which is a term that described when a fetus, or infant does not receive adequate oxygen to the brain.
The lack of oxygen can cause brain injury that can manifest in different conditions such as cerebral palsy and cognitive defects. Mild hypoxia is serious, but can potentially leave an infant unscathed. More serious incidences of hypoxia can result in lifelong injury. This is why it is so important to avoid or shorten any instance of hypoxia an infant may encounter.
Sometimes hypoxia can be avoided or prevented by medical doctors and staff. If not handled appropriately, the family may consider a personal injury suit seeking damages for unnecessary injury caused to the child. Since hypoxia ranges in severity and in its compounding effects; all scenarios will be different. If a child is injured unnecessarily, it is important to consider their short and long-term medical bills and treatment associated with their injury.
For families affected by a birth incident or injury; this time is one of sadness and shock. As overwhelming as this time can be emotionally, it’s important to plan for your family’s future. There may be much uncertainty associated with the future. Control what you can in order to look out for your family’s best interests during this difficult time.
Source: injury.findlaw.com, “Birth Injury: Hypoxia,” Accessed September 26, 2016