As a birth injury lawyer, I am often asked what is HIE or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy? HIE occurs when a newborn’s brain is deprived of oxygen for a sufficient period of time during the delivery process to cause death of brain tissue. Unlike other body tissues, brain cells do not regenerate. Once they are damaged, they [...]
Two recent studies underscore the risk of birth injuries with a home delivery. The first study compared the mortality rate of home delivery with in-hospital delivery. Historically, the switch from home birth to hospital birth resulted in a 90% decrease in neonatal mortality and a 99% decrease in the deaths of mothers in childbirth. Home [...]
Birth injury related to mismanagement of preeclampsia has been well-studied and reported on. Preeclampsia is a common condition affecting many pregnant women both during pregnancy and during the postpartum period. It affects 5-8% of all pregnancies in the U.S. While it can be asymptomatic in some women, symptoms may include high blood pressure, headaches, nausea, [...]
Birth injuries occur around the time of delivery, resulting in cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy and other permanent neurological injuries. The risk of injury increases with multiple gestation births, such as twins and triplets. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) has issued recommendations to minimize the risk of injury during management of a twin or [...]
Birth injuries and fetal demise are increased with breech deliveries, according to a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). A "breech delivery" is one where the baby is delivered vaginally while in the breech, or feet first, position. The solution to risks associated with breech presentation is to deliver the [...]
Medical mistakes resulting in birth injuries are some of the most devastating mistakes that destroy the lives of so many families. Some of the injuries that occur are temporary and the baby is eventually fine. Others result in permanent and lifelong complications, many of which were entirely preventable if only the team of doctors had [...]
PPROM can result in birth injuries and fetal demise. In cases of birth injury following PPROM (preterm premature rupture of membranes), a detailed factual inquiry is necessary to determine whether the injuries were avoidable and preventable through timely detection and appropriate interventions. Under Ohio law, a parent may recover for injuries to a newborn that occur [...]
Birth injuries often arise in the setting of untreated preeclampsia. The Preeclampsia Foundation states that "[p]reeclampsia and related disorders such as HELLP syndrome and eclampsia are most often characterized by a rapid rise in blood pressure that can lead to seizure, stroke, multiple organ failure and death of the mother and/or baby." A recent report of [...]
Birth injuries are a common source of medical negligence claims in the U.S. One compelling reason for this is the fact that when a newborn suffers an avoidable neurological complication as a result of obstetrical malpractice, the costs -- both human and economic -- are catastrophic. C-sections are frequently performed to avoid risks associated with [...]
When we write about birth injuries, our focus is typically on the newborn. Injuries such as cerebral palsy or brachial plexus injury, such as Erb's palsy, are common sources of medical negligence litigation in Ohio. But we also know that preventable injuries can happen to a mom as well. Today, I would like to discuss one complication [...]