Several types of disabilities found in newborn children may actually be the result of medical malpractice. These include brachial plexus injuries, also known as Erb's Palsy, cerebral palsy, attention deficit disorder, mental retardation, SIDS and epilepsy.

A common type of birth injury caused by medical malpractice can arise when there is a delay in the delivery process. At times, when a fetus is not receiving sufficient oxygen or if there is an infection, it is necessary for the doctors and nurses to perform an emergence C-section. When the delivery is delayed for an unreasonable period of time the baby can be deprived of oxygen. Brain damage can result when the baby has been deprived of oxygen for an extended period of time.

Brachial plexus injuries are a common form of childbirth malpractice associated with shoulder dystocia. In this type of case, a baby's shoulder is lodged behind the mother's pelvic bone while the mother is attempting to give birth. If the obstetrician does not conform to the standard of care, these babies can be delivered with severe brachial plexus injuries, which may in turn cause weakness or paralysis of the child's arm. At times, the full extent of this type of injury is not even visible until years later as the child develops.

Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C. has successfully tried and settled many birth injury cases. Our lawyers work closely with obstetric experts in determining whether you or your child has been injured by a hospital's or delivering physician's negligence.

For a free consultation, contact Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C. today at 312-553-4900 or fill out our on-line form to have a lawyer contact you.