The birth of a child is a joyous occasion for a couple and their family. However, this occasion could be spoiled if a child is injured due to the negligence of a doctor. No parent wants to see their child suffer a bruising injury due to medical malpractice. If your child suffered a bruising injury during childbirth, contact an experienced Houston childbirth injury attorney today.
The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. understands how stressful and disheartening it can be to learn that your child has suffered a serious birth injury, and we are capable of providing you with the legal representation you deserve to pursue compensation for your child’s injuries. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact the Queenan Law Firm, P.C., at (817) 476-1797, or contact us online.
Common Causes of Bruising Birth Injuries
We often hope that a doctor tasked with delivering a child will have the child’s best interests in mind. However, some doctors may fail to act with caution when delivering a child. As a result, an infant could suffer a bruising injury that could seriously affect their development.
There are a number of ways that a newborn could suffer a bruising injury if a Houston doctor acts negligently during a delivery.
Breech Births
As the due date for a pregnant mother approaches, the child should naturally begin to move their head towards the birth canal to make it easier to be delivered; this is known as vertex presentation. However, some children may instead end up in breech presentation. Breech presentation is when the feet or buttocks of a child are facing the birth canal instead of the head.
Breech births are a common cause of infant bruising because it makes it more difficult to deliver a child. For example, in a difficult labor, the child’s head or shoulders could get stuck in the birth canal, which could cause severe bruising.
There are some options for avoiding a breech birth like a cesarean section or performing an external version. An external version is a noninvasive procedure where a doctor rotates a child to place the child in vertex presentation. If a doctor fails to offer a mother alternatives to a breech birth or acts negligently during a breech birth, they could be held liable for malpractice.
Misuse of Birthing Instruments
If a mother has a difficult labor, a doctor may employ the use of forceps or vacuum extractors. Forceps and vacuum extractors are birthing instruments that are typically attached to the head of a child to help pull a child from the birth canal. However, if a doctor exerts too much force when using either instrument, the possibility of the child suffering a bruising injury is high.
Cephalopelvic Disproportion
Cephalopelvic disproportion occurs when a mother’s pelvis is too tight to allow the head of an infant to pass through. This condition is common if a mother has a child that weighs over eight pounds. If a doctor allows labor to proceed knowing that child cannot fit through the birth canal, they could be held liable if the child is injured during the delivery.
Alternatively, having a child that was born before 37 weeks can also be dangerous for the child. The pressure of the birth canal on a premature baby can leave the baby with several bruising injuries.
There are other causes of bruising birth injuries that are not listed above. If you wish to file a medical malpractice lawsuit after your child was injured during the birthing process, continue reading and speak with an experienced Houston medical malpractice lawyer.
When to File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in Houston
All Houston, Texas medical malpractice lawsuits are subject to the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations dictates the length of time that a claimant has to file a particular type of case against a negligent party.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice lawsuits is two years from the date the standard of care was breached. The statute of limitations can also begin to run from the date of the final treatment for the injury sustained. However, it may be unwise to rely upon this particular distinction as the right to file your claim could be affected if dates are confused.
If a claimant does not file their claim within two years, the court may bar their claim. As a result, the claimant may not have an opportunity to seek compensation for their child’s injuries.
Contact Our Trusted Houston Lawyer for Infant Bruising During Childbirth
If your child was the victim of medical malpractice, consult with an experienced Houston lawyer for infant bruising during childbirth. At the Queenan Law Firm, P.C., our legal team possesses extensive experience litigating a wide range of malpractice claims, and we are here for you in your time of need. To schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your legal situation, contact the Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797.