Delivering a baby should be a most joyous occasion for a New Mexico resident, but if the birthing process is not handled properly, it could become a devastating moment. It may be shocking to hear that six to eight of every 1000 infants born in the country suffer a birth injury. A birth injury means that the infant suffered a physical injury while being born.
This means that 76 infants are born daily with a birth injury, translating to three infants an hour. Common birth injuries are caused by a delayed birth and oxygen deprivation. When the medical professionals who were supposed to provide care to the mother and infant fail to live up to their duty, medical malpractice can result. Whether it is due to misconduct or incomplete comprehension, medical professionals can be held accountable for their behavior.
Delayed birth is one of the most common causes of birth injuries. Labor that lasts more than 18 hours is considered long, and if it goes on longer, the compression on the brain can become too much to withstand. The baby might start showing signs of fetal distress and might have an elevated blood pressure due to the pressure exerted on them.
Oxygen deprivation can cause very serious birthing injuries. Whether it results from external forces such as a prolapsed umbilical cord or a kinked cord, it can cause severe brain injuries that can last either a couple of months or the rest of the child’s life.
Birthing trauma can cause serious injuries that can significantly impact the rest of both the child and the parents’ lives. Medical bills can accumulate, as can frustration with the system for allowing negligent medical professionals to practice. It might be helpful to consult an experienced attorney for guidance on how to hold responsible parties accountable.