Did a Birth Injury Cause My Child’s Disability?
There are multiple scenarios before, during or shortly after delivery that could cause a birth injury. Many cases involve doctors who fail to respond to adverse conditions or injuries during prenatal care. Birth injuries can cause multiple types of disabilities that may affect newborns and their family members for life. The different types of birth injuries include but are not limited to:
- Cerebral palsy: Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect balance and posture. The condition can be caused when a developing brain suffers an injury. There are multiple ways cerebral palsy can occur before, during or very shortly after birth. For instance, a newborn can develop the condition if certain complications during birth are not resolved in a timely manner. Infections and blunt force trauma can also lead to the development of the condition. Children with cerebral palsy have difficulty controlling movements and may also suffer from an intellectual disability.
- Brachial plexus injuries: Injuries to the brachial plexus may cause Klumpke’s palsy or Erb’s palsy. The brachial plexus is a nerve bundle that runs along the fingers, arms and spinal cord. With Erb’s palsy, the damage is confined to the upper part of the brachial plexus. Klumpke’s palsy involves damage occuring on the lower part. Excessive stretching or force during the labor process may lead to a brachial plexus injury. The nerve damage caused by these injuries can affect movement of the arms, fingers and hands.
- Spinal cord injuries: Newborns can suffer spinal cord injuries. This may occur when the OB/GYN improperly uses forceps during delivery. Additional medical mistakes made during stressful deliveries could also cause spinal cord injuries.
Can I File a Birth Injury Lawsuit?
There are cases where birth injuries are caused by medical malpractice. In such cases, parents may be able to file a lawsuit against the doctor, hospital or other parties who may be responsible for the injury. We discussed what constitutes medical malpractice in Connecticut on last month’s blog. Please see the footnote at the bottom of the post.
The Connecticut birth injury lawyers at Walsh Woodard LLC have experience with medical malpractice cases involving birth injuries. We could help you determine whether medical malpractice may have occurred.
Injured During the Holidays – Now What?
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Time for holiday parties and family gatherings. Time for festive holiday traditions and celebrations. Yet for many, the holidays are a dangerous time. Accidents are more common during the holiday season. From falls to car crashes, the holidays may not be so merry for many Americans.
The holiday season can bring a mixture of joy and danger. This holiday, be sure to use extra caution when hanging decorations, visiting family and attending parties. Always designate a sober driver and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Falls While Decorating
According to the CDC, 5,800 people suffer injuries in falls directly related to holiday decorating. Hanging lights on roofs, trees, and porches can be dangerous. Numerous individuals suffer serious brain and spinal cord injuries after falling from roofs or ladders during the holiday season. In addition, elderly relatives may suffer serious head injuries or fractures after tripping on extension cords or tree skirts.
Slipping on Snow and Ice
Snow and ice create serious hazards during the holiday season. Sidewalks, driveways, stairs, and parking lots can become treacherous during the winter months. Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries, such as brain damage, fractures, and soft tissue injuries. According to the CDC, more than 800,000 people visit the hospital every year because of a slip and fall injury. Many of these injuries occur during the winter months and holiday season.
Car Crashes During the Holidays
Snow and ice make roads dangerous. According to federal statistics, nearly 1.2 million accidents occur because of bad weather like snow and ice. In addition, more people drive drunk during the holiday season. This increases the risk of serious and fatal car crashes. Nationally, an average of 300 people lose their lives in drunk driving crashes the week between Christmas and New Year. In 2016, 781 people were fatally injured in drunk driving accidents in the month of December.
What to Do After a Holiday Accident
If you suffer an injury this holiday, it is important to know what to do. The steps you take after an accident could have a huge impact on your ability to collect the compensation you need. No matter what type of accident you have, it is important to remain calm and seek medical attention quickly. Protecting yourself from further injury can reduce the chances of future complications. As such, call 911 or visit an emergency room if you find yourself injured this holiday season.
If you suffer an injury this holiday season, it is important to take the following steps to protect yourself.
- Seek medical attention
- Call the police
- Fill out an accident report
- Take pictures of the accident scene, injuries, and damages
- Exchange information with the person responsible for your crash
- Contact your insurance company
- Follow your doctor’s orders and treatment plan
- Contact an attorney
Contact Our Hartford Car Crash Lawyers
If you suffered an injury in an accident this holiday season, contact a Hartford car crash lawyer immediately. At Walsh Woodard LLC, our lawyers know that injured accident victims need money now. We know that medical expenses and lost wages can cripple a family during the holiday season. That’s why we work tirelessly for our injured clients from the very start. Call us today at 860-549-8440 or fill out our confidential contact form for more information. We offer free initial consultations so you can seek justice after a holiday accident. Call us today!
