A brain injury is one of the most severe and complex injuries to treat, especially when occurring in infants. As a parent, being told that your newborn has suffered a brain injury is devestating, and you could be facing a variety of issues, including reduced cognitive abilities and developmental delays. In the worst-case scenario, a brain injury could also be fatal. If you have found yourself in this unfortunate position, a birth injury lawyer in Knoxville can help you pursue legal action, securing damages for your child, which can help with the additional expenses of raising your child, including medical expenses, specialist equipment, and special education needs.
Brain Injuries During Pregnancy
When brain injuries occur during pregnancy, it is most often caused by issues such as the mother having high blood pressure or the baby being deprived of oxygen due to umbilical cord problems. These injuries are often completely avoidable if the pregnant woman is appropriately monitored by her medical team. If the appropriate monitoring has not been done, and any potential fetal distress has been missed, resulting in a brain injury, there may be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. A birth injury lawyer in Knoxville can consult with you to determine if you have a viable case.
Brain Injuries During Labor & Delivery
It is more common for brain injuries to occur during labor and delivery, and these are typically caused by negligence by the medical team, specifically a doctor’s actions or failure to act during labor and delivery. Common examples include allowing labor to go on too long, improper use of forceps, or failure to monitor the baby’s vital signs during the birth. A birth injury lawyer in Knoxville can work with you to gather evidence of potential negligence to help you file a birth injury lawsuit.
Different Types of Brain Injuries in Infants
There are a number of different brain injuries that can occur during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Some of the most common include the following:
- Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) - When there is a lack of oxygen or reduced blood flow to the infant’s brain, it can cause a condition called Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy, which can range in severity and may result in permanent neurological impairment.
- Cerebral Palsy - One of the most common birth injuries is Cerebral Palsy, a group of neurological disorders that affect mobility, balance, and coordination. It is often caused by brain damage immediately before, during, or soon after birth.
- Intracranial Hemorrhages - When there is bleeding inside the skull, it can put additional pressure on the brain which can result in various problems. It is often caused by improper use of forceps and vacuum extraction tools.
- Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL) - Premature babies are at an increased risk of Periventricular Leukomalacia, damage to or softening of the brain’s white matter. This can cause issues with motor function, learning, and vision. It will also increase the risk of cerebral palsy.
If your child is suffering from one of these conditions or any other type of brain injury that might have been caused by negligence during your
Signs Your Newborn May Have a Brain Injury
It may not always be immediately apparent that your newborn has a brain injury, so it is important to be vigilant and be on the lookout for common signs and symptoms that may indicate that a brain injury is at play. It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of these signs or symptoms. Then, the next step is to contact a birth injury lawyer in Knoxville. The most common signs to look for include the following:
- Seizures - Seizures and other abnormal muscle movements can be an indication of a possible brain injury and should be investigated by medical professionals.
- Difficulty Feeding - If your newborn is exhibiting any difficulty in feeding, including problems with sucking and swallowing, it could be an indication of neurological issues.
- Muscle Weakness/Stiffness - If you notice any slackness in your baby’s muscles or if they seem to have difficulty controlling their movements, this could be a manifestation of a potential brain injury.
- Developmental Delays - It is common for babies who have brain injuries to miss important developmental milestones, such as rolling over, sitting up, or starting to vocalize.
- Vision or Hearing Problems - Any loss of hearing or vision can also be a potential indication that a child has suffered a brain injury.
The Long-Term Impact of Brain Injury at Birth
The mere mention of brain injury seems terrifying, but the severity and the long-term impact on your child can vary greatly. The effects of the brain injury will be greatly influenced by which part of the brain is damaged and how badly. It is possible to make a full recovery from minor brain injuries, while other more severe cases will require lifelong care needs. That’s why it is important to work with a birth injury lawyer in Knoxville to secure compensation for your child, as you may have additional expenses for the rest of their life. Some of the long-term impacts that your child may experience can include:
- Physical limitations in relation to mobility and fine motor skills
- Learning disabilities and other cognitive challenges
- Speech and language delays that make communication more difficult
- Behavioral issues caused by brain damage or development
If your child has suffered a brain injury at birth, it is important to consult with an experienced birth injury lawyer in Knoxville to find out if you have a viable lawsuit and are owed compensation for your child.
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Butler, Vines and Babb is a leading law firm in Knoxville, TN, with extensive litigation experience in Medical Malpractice Law, Birth Injury Law, Trucking Accident Law, Personal Injury Law, and Business Law. Contact us today at www.bvblaw.com or call 865-637-3531.
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