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Infant Injuries Caused by Lack of Oxygen
Infants’ brains are extremely fragile. Without oxygen, brain damage and death can occur within minutes. Infants are most vulnerable during and immediately following birth; during this time, if a doctor, hospital, or nurse fails to recognize the signs of oxygen depravation and react appropriately, the infant may suffer irreversible damage. Hypoxia (a decrease in oxygen to the brain) and anoxia (complete lack of oxygen to the brain) in infants can cause developmental disabilities, permanent disability, and sudden death.
Causes of Oxygen Depravation Before, During, and after Birth
Before or During Birth
- Failure respond to fetal distress
- Failure to perform a timely delivery or C-section
- Failure to diagnose medical conditions in the mother (ex: pre-eclampsia)
- Failure to timely diagnose a placental abruption
- Failure to recognize umbilical cord compressions or twists
- Failure to properly use forceps or a vacuum extractor during delivery
After the Birth
- Failure to properly insert an oxygen tube
- Failure to monitor infant’s oxygen levels
- Post-operative surgical complications
Injuries Caused by Lack of Oxygen
- Speech deficiencies and disabilities
- Delayed development of motor skills
- Complete absence of motor skills
- Behavioral problems
- Learning disabilities
- Mental retardation
- Cerebral Palsy
- Epilepsy
- Autism
- Death
Case Examples
- Failure to Recognize Fetal Distress - A jury awarded the family of a newborn $4.4 million after a nurse failed to properly monitor the baby's fetal heart rate and, as a result, did not realize that the baby was in fetal distress. The infant was deprived of oxygen and, as a result, was delivered with Cerebral Palsy. The child died from complications from Cerebral Palsy at age 5.
- Failure to Perform a Timely C-Section- A Minnesota jury awarded $23.2 million to the family of a newborn who suffered Cerebral Palsy, quadriplegia, and cognitive impairment due to a doctor’s failure to perform a timely C-section. The infant was in distress, yet the child was deprived of oxygen for 28 minutes before an emergency c-section could be completed.
- Failure to Properly Insert an Oxygen Tube- An Illinois jury awarded $5 million to the family of an infant who was left permanently brain damaged and disabled after his endotracheal tube was dislodged and he was left without oxygen for 45 minutes. The infant had been admitted into the emergency room for a viral infection.
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Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys are leaders in the area of medical malpractice litigation. We have extensive knowledge and resources in order to represent our clients efficiently and aggressively.
If your child was injured due to medical malpractice, contact Thomas J. Henry Injury Attorneys immediately. We are available 24/7, nights and weekends.
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