Negligence and Birth Injury

Welcoming a new member into your family should be a happy celebration. You’ve had the baby shower, decorated your newborn’s room, and perhaps put a notice in the local paper. However, what if something goes wrong?

Many people do not realize the hazards that can accompany the birth of a baby. Sure, you’ve heard about “baby-proofing” your house for choking hazards, read all the books on when the baby can have certain foods, etc. Although taking your newborn at home may seem to be the most frightening part, you may not realize how many things can go wrong at the hospital.

The Definition of Negligence

Negligence is a term often used when discussing personal injury. Essentially, the courts assume that a reasonable person would not act in a way that unnecessarily puts others at risk. Being negligent means performing or creating dangerous situations that a reasonable person would not cause. Although it is not quite the same as carelessness, negligence often implies that someone has acted below his or her level of competence, creating hazards for others.

How Negligence Causes Birth Injuries

When choosing an obstetrician, parents are placing a huge amount of faith and trust in a person to help them deliver their most precious gift. Obstetricians are there to direct the birth and take charge if anything goes wrong.

If your doctor is negligent and does not perform at the expected level, it can put your baby in grave danger. For example, if he or she does not aptly and correctly perform a vacuum delivery, your baby can be left with palsy or some form of paralysis.

Contact Us

If your baby has suffered a birth injury due to your doctor’s negligence, you will need experienced legal representation on your side to get the justice your family deserves. Contact the Philadelphia birth injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., today at 215-238-1130.