Birth Asphyxia is the deprivation of oxygen to the baby’s brain and organs before, during, or right after birth that may result in suffocation, unconsciousness, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, or death. While it can affect many major organs, brain damage and heart damage are the two most concerning. It occurs when blood flow to the fetus is disrupted during the birthing process. Other names for this condition include Perinatal Asphyxia and Neonatal Asphyxia. While mild birth asphyxia is a condition that babies will typically recover from fully, severe birth asphyxia is a serious type of birth injury that can cause life-long permanent injuries to the baby.
Birth Asphyxia Lawyers
If you suspect your child was the victim of medical negligence due to birth asphyxia and suffered permanent injury, severe injury, or death, call Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. to find out more about your rights. Medical malpractice attorneys in Houston strongly understand that the loss or injury of a child is devastating for the entire family. Our law firm has represented injury victims since 1979 and would be honored to discuss your case. Call (713) 932-0777 for more information. The initial consultation is free, and we charge no attorney fees or expenses unless we recover money for you.
What Are the Causes of Birth Asphyxia?
There are many potential causes of birth asphyxia. All possibilities must be considered and evaluated by obtaining the child’s hospital birth records and having them reviewed by a trained medical professional. Birth asphyxia may be caused by:
- Failure to monitor the mother’s blood pressure, allowing it to drop for long periods.
- Low oxygen in the mother’s blood.
- Direct compression of the umbilical cord for sufficient time to cause damage, either by the cord being wrapped around the baby or entangled with the arms and legs of the baby.
- Umbilical cord compression by improper use or pinching by forceps or other tools.
- The placenta separates from the womb too early.
- Airway blockage or formation issues in the fetus.
- Medical conditions of the mother such as disease, infection, or abnormal blood pressure.
- Fetal anemia.
What Damage Does Birth Asphyxia Do?
Birth asphyxia can cause damage to major organs including the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, and liver. Damage to the brain may include the development of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy or intraventricular bleeding (bleeding in the brain). The injuries can range from minor injuries to death.
Free Consultation
If your child has suffered serious or permanent injuries from birth asphyxia, call us today for a free consultation with a birth injury attorney regarding your child’s case. The damage done may be lifelong and require permanent medical care. Your child’s future is worth the time it takes to get a free consultation. (713) 932-0777. We work on a contingency fee, which means that you pay nothing upfront and no attorneys’ fees or attorneys’ expenses unless a recovery is made for you.