There are various complications that can arise during labour and it is the case that difficult deliveries do happen. Medical professionals should however be able to reduce the risk of any unwanted injury to both mother and baby. Unfortunately, sometimes the actions or in-actions of the medical professionals involved during pregnancy, delivery or aftercare and their failure to provide competent medical treatment can lead to injuries of varying degrees being sustained. Some of these injuries can be avoidable and therefore may give rise to negligence.
The following is a list of injuries that can be caused to a new born as a result medical negligence:-
- Perinatal Asphyxia – where not enough oxygen is received
- Brain Damage
- Cerebral Palsy
- Erb’s Palsy
- Hip Dysplasia
- Seizures
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Pelvic Injuries During Birth
- Facial Paralysis
- Fractures to Collarbone, Arm or Skull
- Untreated Jaundice, Kernicterus and Hyperbilirubinemia
- Forceps Tear Injury
- Forceps and Vacuum Extractor Injuries
This type of birth trauma can have catastrophic effects on the quality of life of the child and long term effects on the lives of the parents.
The following is a list of injuries that can be caused to the mother as a result of inadequate medical care during pregnancy, delivery or aftercare :-
- Pregnancy Malpractice/Birth Injuries i.e. Mismanagement of the Pregnancy
- Complications Caused by Delivery Using Forceps
- Abnormal Bleeding
- Forceps Injury
- Injury to Bowel or Bladder
- Pelvic Injuries during Birth
- Incontinence
- Broken Bones
- Vaginal Tears or Lacerations
- Ruptured Uterus
- Incorrect Caesarean Section
- Infection
- Pre-eclampsia or Eclampsia
- Incorrect Stitching following Caesarean Section
- Nerve Damage after giving birth
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
- Wrongful Death of the Mother
At Tiernan & Co. Solicitors we understand that events such as those set out above can be truly traumatic and overwhelming for those involved and fully empathise with parents and loved ones who find themselves in such a position. We will therefore seek to make this process as simple as possible for you and will begin by doing the following:-
- Take up all relevant medical notes and records.
- Obtain the opinion of the requisite medical expert.
- We will then be in a position to advise you as to whether or not there is a case that we can move forward with.
Once this has been determined, we will steadfastly pursue your claim and seek compensation for the pain and suffering caused by the injury itself and also ensure that any expected future expenses that you will incur due to dealing with the repercussion of such an injury are duly compensated for.