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Archive for the ‘Birth Defects’ Category

Mother Of Twins Dies After C-Section

Friday, December 23rd, 2011

The C-Section is a procedure that continues to grow in popularity in the United States. Whether it is required in order to prevent birth injuries, or simply done because the mother thinks it will be easier than standard birth, the procedure is not without risks.

Mother-to-be Michal Friedman was scheduled for surgery in a Manhattan hospital for November 28, but when doctors found her blood pressure was elevated in her November 27 pre-op appointment, they rescheduled her for a same-day surgery.

Doctors performed a C-section on Friedman. After the surgery, she hemorrhaged. As her husband watched, her condition steadily declined, prompting doctors to request he leave the room. At 9:30 p.m., doctors informed him of the death of his wife.

C-sections have become so common that many people do not consider that the procedure is a surgical one, and with all surgeries, there are risks.

In C-sections, the most common cause of death is bleeding. It can be fast and severe and by the time doctors attempt to address it, it can be too late.

The procedure also comes with risk of bladder injury, infection, bowel injuries and blood clots.

Perhaps Frieman’s C-section prevented potential brain injuries or other birth defects in her newborn twins. It is heartbreaking that she had to pay for that safety with her life.

Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP – birth injury attorneys

 

Birth Trauma Not Uncommon, Unfortunately

Monday, November 21st, 2011

Having a child born with birth trauma can be terrifying for new parents. What you had dreamed of as a joy-filled moment can become truly upsetting if something goes wrong. As long as the injury is minor, though, a doctor can usually help your child recover.

One of the most common birth injuries is a clavicle fracture. Otherwise known as the collarbone, the clavicle connects the upper part of the breastbone with the shoulder blade. Normally there are no lasting effects from this type of injury. Infants heal quickly, and strapping the arm to the chest should allow the clavicle to heal.

Nerve damage is another type of birth injury. The brachial plexus is a group of nerves that travel from the neck to the arm. When an infant’s head and arm are pulled in different directions, damage can occur to this bundle of nerves. If the damage is minor, it can be left to heal over time. If it is more severe, surgery might be necessary, and the child still may suffer weakness in one arm for life.

Did your child suffer from a birth injury or birth defect due to a doctor’s negligence? If you would like to discuss legal options, please fill out our contact form and see how we can help you.

Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP – birth trauma attorneys

 

Autism In Premature Babies Five Times More Likely

Thursday, November 3rd, 2011

A new study on autism has demonstrated that the risk of developing autism among children who were born prematurely is five times greater than among kids born after a full-term pregnancy.

The new study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that five out of every 100 young adults born weighing less than four and a half pounds had autism. This is significantly higher than the estimate by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that one out of every 100 eight-year-old kids has autism.

The professor who led the study, Jennifer Pinto-Martin of the University of Pennsylvania, says she “was surprised”. “I knew it would be higher than the general population…but I thought the rate would be about double”, she said.

Those with autism in the study also showed a higher prevalence for other psychiatric disorders, such as phobias and attention-deficit disorder.

Pinto-Martin said that although her study did not show that being born early causes autism, there is concern that prematurity puts babies’ brains at a higher risk for injury, and perhaps that brain injury could have something to do with autism.

Does your child suffer from birth defects or a brain injury because of medical negligence? If so, you do have legal options to help you get the compensation needed to provide proper medical care for your child.

Cappolino, Dodd, Krebs LLP – birth trauma lawyers

 

Michigan Family Awarded $130 Million For Daughter’s Brain Damage

Wednesday, October 26th, 2011

A doctor’s negligence can cause unprecedented harm in the delivery of a child, and the harm can last a lifetime. A jury considered this timeframe in Michigan on Tuesday when they awarded the family of a brain-damaged girl what might be the largest medical malpractice verdict in Michigan History.

The family of a 15-year old Markell VanSlembrouck, a quadriplegic girl resulting from a brain injury acquired at birth, was awarded $130 million in damages after a three-week trial where the family alleged negligence by the delivering doctor.

Markell was larger than expected from gestational diabetes, but rather than perform a cesarean, Dr. Andrew Halperin from Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak chose to induce vaginal delivery. The delivery resulted in a broken clavicle and brain damage. Quadriplegia followed, requiring round-the-clock care.

The VanSlembrouck’s attorney says the award represents the cost of caring for Markell through 2077 and her lost wages, and will be stored with a court-appointed conservator.

The size of the award is remarkable in itself, but it also demonstrates the huge financial strain that brain damage and birth defects in one individual can cost parents and society. Medical negligence should never be ignored.

Has your child been injured at birth and are you considering legal action?

Our birth trauma lawyers have a history of helping families who have been damaged by medical carelessness, and can help you get the compensation necessary to move on with your life.

Cappolino, Dodd, Krebs LLP – Birth trauma lawyers