When babies sustain brain injuries at birth as a result of medical malpractice, it is usually because of a lack of oxygen supply, also known as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
According to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Department of Health, HIE impacts two out of every 1,000 babies born in the United States. The mortality rate is roughly 15%. For this condition, about 20-25% of the babies that survive end up with lifelong disabilities involving neurodevelopmental damage.
Thus, it is often possible for babies to recover from brain injuries that are sustained at birth. Read on to learn more.
Children’s Brains Are Different From Adults’ Brains
Studies show that children younger than three years old “present with a total distinctive pathology than adults.” In other words, the causes and effects of diseases and injuries are different for children under three years old than for adults.
It is critical that babies with brain injuries are treated immediately. Similarly, “Prophylaxis plays the most important role in improving the outcome.” Said simply, quickly taking action against the injury will provide the best chances of a favorable result for the child.
Most Babies Cannot Fully Recover From Cerebral Palsy
When the brain is unable to develop normally, cerebral palsy (CP) can result. This condition impacts the way a child controls their muscles.
It is widely believed that CP is typically caused by a lack of oxygen during the baby’s delivery, but recent research suggests that this only causes a small fraction of the overall number of CP cases.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the irregular growth of the brain or damage leading to CP can occur while the brain is still forming:
- Before birth
- During birth
- Within a month after birth
- During the first years of a young one’s life
If your child sustained an injury during birth as a result of medical malpractice, you may be owed compensation. Let our team see if we can help you recover it.
If you need help with your birth injury lawsuit, contact the skilled attorneys at Berthold Law Firm, PLLC with the details of your case by calling (304) 605-2040 or by filling out our online contact form.