Tag Archives: birth defect

A Chicago family recently settled a birth trauma lawsuit against the hospital they hold responsible for causing their baby’s birth injury. When the plaintiff checked into the hospital to give birth, a “house” doctor with no formal training in obstetrics attended her labor until her regular physician arrived. By the time her physician got there, the baby had already suffered oxygen deprivation, which caused permanent brain damage. As a result, the baby developed cerebral palsy. The case was set to go to court, but on the eve of the trial, the Chicago hospital opted to settle with the family for $13 million. The family will receive part of the settlement in cash and the rest as future payments. Children with cerebral palsy typically require specialized treatment and care throughout their lifetime. An award like this one enables a family to afford the medications, therapy, special education, orthotic devices and/or surgery…
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It is estimated that in the United States birth injuries occur at a rate of six to eight babies per 1,000 live births. According to a study released in June 2011 by the international risk management company CRICO Strategies, the top three causes cited in medical malpractice lawsuits against obstetricians were: Clinical judgment errors (77 percent) Miscommunication (36 percent) Technical errors (26 percent) Other causes included inadequate documentation, administrative failures and ineffective supervision. Researchers analyzed more than 800 medical liability cases filed against obstetricians between 2005 and 2009, for which the most common allegations included: Delayed treatment of fetal distress Improper execution of vaginal delivery Improper management of pregnancy According to Robert Hanscom, senior vice president of CRICO Strategies, this study suggests that most liability cases against obstetricians involve a series of mistakes by a medical team, rather than a single error by an individual healthcare provider. Dr. Albert L….
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Cerebral palsy is a birth defect resulting from damage to the part of the brain that controls cognitive thought, motor skills and sensory functions. This damage can lead to intellectual limitations, learning disabilities, hearing problems, vision impairments, behavioral issues, speech difficulties, movement problems and seizures. Traditional treatment often involves some combination of physical, occupational or speech therapy, medication, use of orthotic devices, or surgery. However, some parents also look to alternative treatment options to help their children cope with cerebral palsy complications. One alternative treatment that has started gaining popularity is acupuncture. According to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA), acupuncture “is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning . . . by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.” The classical Chinese belief is that acupuncture needles unblock obstructions in the energy channels that run…
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