The birth of a child is a momentous occasion filled with anticipation and hope. However, when a spinal cord birth injury occurs, it can turn what should be a joyful event into a lifelong challenge.
Spinal cord injuries at birth can have severe and lasting impacts on a newborn’s health and development.
Understanding the causes, recognizing the symptoms, and knowing your legal options under Kansas law is essential.
If your child has suffered a spinal cord injury during birth, a compassionate and experienced Kansas City birth injury attorney can provide the guidance and support you need to seek justice and secure your child’s future.
To get started, please contact our firm right away to get the answers you deserve.
Understanding Spinal Cord Birth Injuries
Spinal cord injuries at birth can result from various complications during labor and delivery.
These injuries may stem from excessive force during delivery, improper use of delivery instruments such as forceps or vacuum extractors, or a failure to respond appropriately to fetal distress.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH), birth injuries, including spinal cord injuries, can lead to long-term disabilities and require ongoing medical care.
Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries at Birth
The spinal cord is a delicate structure, and injuries can occur if there is undue pressure or trauma during the birthing process.
Factors contributing to spinal cord injuries during birth include breech deliveries, where the baby is positioned feet-first, and difficult labor, where the baby’s size or position complicates delivery.
Medical negligence, such as failing to perform a timely C-section when necessary, can also result in these injuries.
Recognizing these causes can help parents and caregivers understand the importance of proper medical care during delivery.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of a spinal cord injury at birth can vary widely depending on the severity and location of the injury.
Common signs include difficulty breathing, lack of movement or reflexes in the arms or legs, and abnormal muscle tone.
Sometimes, these symptoms are not immediately apparent and can develop as the child grows. Early diagnosis is crucial for managing the condition and ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Diagnostic tools such as MRI and CT scans can help identify the extent of the injury and guide treatment options.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries at Birth
Spinal cord injuries during birth can manifest in various forms, each with distinct characteristics and implications for the newborn.
Recognizing these types is crucial for identifying symptoms and seeking appropriate medical and legal help.
- Complete spinal cord injury. This type of injury results in total loss of motor function and sensation below the injury site. In newborns, this can mean a complete lack of movement and reflexes in the affected areas, significantly impacting their development and quality of life.
- Incomplete spinal cord injury. The spinal cord is only partially damaged, and the newborn may retain some motor and sensory functions below the injury site. The extent of recovery varies, with some infants achieving significant improvement through early intervention and rehabilitation.
- Cervical spinal cord injury. Injuries at the cervical (neck) level can be particularly severe, potentially affecting both arms and legs (quadriplegia). These injuries can also impair respiratory function, necessitating immediate and ongoing medical care.
- Thoracic and lumbar spinal cord injury. Injuries in the thoracic (upper and mid-back) or lumbar (lower back) regions typically impact the legs and lower body functions. Depending on the severity, these injuries can lead to paraplegia, where the lower limbs are paralyzed, affecting the child’s mobility and independence.
Knowing the type and severity of a spinal cord injury during birth is essential for pursuing the proper medical treatment and legal options.
A Kansas City birth injury attorney can help ensure your child receives the support and compensation needed for their future.
Legal Options for Families Affected by Birth Injuries
When a spinal cord injury occurs during birth, families have legal options to seek compensation for the medical expenses and physical and emotional suffering caused by the injury.
Understanding your rights under Kansas law and how to pursue a claim with the help of a Kansas City birth injury lawyer is critical.
Determining Liability
Establishing liability in cases of spinal cord birth injuries involves proving that medical negligence or malpractice occurred by demonstrating that the healthcare provider failed to adhere to the standard of care expected during delivery.
An experienced Kansas City birth injury attorney can help build a strong case and gather the necessary evidence, such as medical records, expert testimonies, and witness accounts.
The goal is to show that the injury resulted from preventable errors or omissions by the medical staff.
Pursuing Compensation and Justice
Seeking compensation for a spinal cord birth injury involves filing a medical malpractice claim.
This claim can cover various damages, including medical expenses, ongoing care costs, loss of future earnings, and pain and suffering.
Kansas law allows parents to file these claims for their injured child. Working with a knowledgeable Kansas City medical malpractice lawyer ensures the legal process is handled correctly and efficiently.
The Importance of Legal Representation
Dealing with a birth injury case can be overwhelming for families already dealing with the emotional and physical toll of their child’s injury.
A dedicated Kansas City birth injury attorney provides invaluable support by handling the legal aspects, allowing families to focus on their child’s care and recovery.
Retaining legal representation helps you ensure you take all necessary steps to secure a fair settlement or court award, providing financial stability and access to essential resources for the child’s future.
Speak with a Respected Birth Injury Lawyer to Learn More About Your Rights
If your child suffered a birth injury, it is imperative that you understand all of your options.
At the Kansas City birth injury law firm of Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen, we have extensive experience helping parents recover meaningful compensation for the impact that physical negligence had on their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
We offer free consultations to all prospective clients, and will only bill for our services if we successfully recover compensation.
To learn more and schedule a free consultation today, give us a call or connect with us through our secure online contact form.
The legal team at Dempsey Kingsland Osteen works to ensure that the injured are fully compensated for their lasting injuries from medical malpractice or other negligence. We push for comprehensive damages that anticipate the long-term needs of our clients, rather than taking a quick settlement out of convenience.
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