It is an unfortunate fact that babies in Washington can suffer broken bones and fractures during the delivery process. Parents may be able to tell if their baby has suffered a broken bone if there is intense swelling, the baby cannot move the limb or the baby is continually crying.
Fractures have largely the same symptoms, but one may additionally notice redness, bruising and deformity around the affected area. The most frequent forms of fractures are clavicle fractures. In a clavicle fracture, the affected shoulder will droop lower than the other, and a lump may appear there a few weeks after the injury. Such fractures are often the result of a rough, stressful childbirth.
Sometimes, a baby may be injured due to a condition called cephalopelvic disorder. This is where the baby is too little to pass through the cervix. Other times, the physician may pull too hard or be too forceful with birth-assisting tools. Even in a normal birth, an inexperienced medical staff member may pull unnaturally or pick the baby up by the arms instead of from the back and neck.
Infant fractures and broken bones demand immediate medical attention; otherwise, they may lead to permanent issues. Splints, medication and closed reduction are generally used to treat broken bones. Only in severe cases will surgery be needed.
Doctor negligence can form the basis for a birth injury case, but parents may want to consult with an attorney before taking action. The attorney could request an inquiry with the local medical board and hire third parties to conduct investigations. Once the available proof of negligence has been gathered, the attorney may then negotiate for a settlement covering medical bills, emotional trauma and other losses.
