Birth Injury: Lung Defects

A birth injury can lead to various types of complications, such as lung defects. If you believe that medical negligence was the cause, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact a Cleveland birth injury attorney to discuss your case.

Common Types of Lung Defects in Newborns

Some of the more common types of lung defects that newborns can develop:

• chronic lung disease;
• pulmonary stenosis; and
• persistent pulmonary hypertension.

The causes for these conditions could include:

• a premature birth;
• fluid in the lungs;
• injury while delivering the baby; and
• anti-depressants taken by the mother.

Doctors should have an understanding of the risk factors for lung defects and take appropriate measures to prevent it. If that is not possible, the doctor then has a responsibility to detect these conditions and properly treat them. A failure to do any of these could result in them being held liable, which could be argued by your Cleveland birth injury attorney.

Birth Injury Lung Defects Caused by Anti-Depressants

If you suffer from depression, anxiety or any other type of psychological condition and are prescribed anti-depressants, your doctor should be aware of the potential danger to your unborn baby. These drugs are found to increase the risk of several health problems, most affecting the baby’s heart and lungs.

The most common defect from taking anti-depressants is persistent pulmonary hypertension which can also lead to further complications such as:

• chronic lung disease;
• neurological problems;
• hearing loss; and
• seizures.

In some cases it may result in difficulties with feeding. This could lead to the necessity of a feeding tube. Nobody wants to consider the possibility of feeding their child through a tube and if this situation has happened to you, you may want to acquire the services of a Cleveland birth injury attorney to argue your case and obtain damages from the guilty party.

Symptoms of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension

There are symptoms that may indicate a baby has developed persistent pulmonary hypertension including:

• skin color is bluish;
• oxygen levels are low;
• heart rate and breathing are rapid;
• signs of breathing difficulties; and
• any other type of respiratory distress.

Once symptoms are present, the doctor should order the appropriate tests to confirm. This can include an ultrasound, X-ray or other lab tests.

It is vital that a baby with persistent pulmonary hypertension be immediately treated. The most important thing is improving the flow of oxygen in their body. An oxygen mask can help but it may require more aggressive forms of treatment such as an oxygen machine.

Unfortunately, there could be serious long-term consequences for a baby with any type of lung defect. A lifetime of medical care may be required, depending on the severity of their condition.

The costs to treat a child with this could soar into the hundreds of thousands. However, if it was the result of medical negligence, such as a doctor prescribing a dangerous drug or failing to detect signs of respiratory distress, they could be held liable for your child’s injuries.

You may be entitled to damages that address:

• medical expenses;
• pain and suffering;
• earnings you have been without; and
• future medical expenses.

A Cleveland birth injury attorney should be able to help you resolve all of these matters.

Seeking Help from a Cleveland Birth Injury Attorney

Contact an attorney who specializes in the practice field of birth injury. This is a unique area of the law that requires someone who is experienced and knowledgeable about general health and birth injury laws.

It can be difficult to determine who may be at fault for your child’s health condition. A Cleveland birth injury attorney will take the time to carefully evaluate the medical records and any other documentation that can help determine liability.

When you believe that your child has suffered a preventable birth injury, seek legal counsel from a qualified attorney at The Becker Law Firm. Contact us today for a free initial consultation – 216-621-3000.