Tag Archives: birth trauma

Judgment Errors Cited in 77 Percent of Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Against Obstetricians

Posted on August 23, 2012 by

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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$21 Million Award in Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit

Posted on August 6, 2012 by

Jaylan Norfleet is 9 years old. His family’s lawyer says he is “cognitively and mentally” fine, but he struggles with physical tasks. He has trouble moving his legs and controlling his arms. This is because he was born with cerebral palsy, a series of conditions that can affect motor control and cognitive development, often caused by complications during childbirth. According to a Baltimore jury, the hospital is to blame for Jaylan’s disability. Jaylan’s family was recently awarded $21 million in a lawsuit accusing the hospital of negligence during childbirth. The family claims that the Harbor Hospital made an error in judgment when doctors chose to deliver Jaylan via vaginal birth instead of cesarean, resulting in a lack of oxygen. The hospital, which is considering appealing the decision, claims that Jaylan’s premature birth was the cause of his cerebral palsy. Premature birth is certainly a risk factor for birth trauma, but…
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Acupuncture: An Alternative Treatment for Cerebral Palsy

Posted on July 27, 2012 by

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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