Medical errors occur daily. Most do not harm to the patient. But in certain cases the damage is major. At these times, as in the examples that follow, you may want to seek advice from a medical malpractice lawyer.
Newborns are at risk of dangerous problems should they acquire an infection. Their immune system is not completely developed for them to be able to fight off the infection. One very hazardous infection is caused by the group b strep bacteria. It has the potential to lead to the development of pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis which can lead to brain injury and even to the death of the baby.
A key factor for doctors is is that the Group B Strep bacteria can be passed from the mother to her child. For this reason physicians commonly screen expectant mothers prior to labor and in the event they test positive an antibiotic is used during labor.
Like we have been discussing, birth injuries take place. Some arise prior to delivery, some during and some after. One variety that occurs in the course of the delivery procedure is known as erbs palsy, an injury that can leave the infant with lifelong impairment of the arm The way this injury results in a disability is by harming those nerves that control the shoulder, arm and hand
in the more serious incidents, even with treatment, the baby will never recover full function of the arm and will always have limited use of the arm. In many cases an Erb’s palsy injury is fully avoidable. Often, there are signs throughout the pregnancy that the baby will be a big baby or is in the wrong position.
Attorneys who focus on medical malpractice also deal with other varieties of cases, especially cancer cases. Such claims often concern either an error in treating the cancer or a delay in the diagnosis of the cancer. The reason that lawsuits may result from a delayed diagnosis is that there are tests available that can help physicians in the diagnosis of several cancers before they progress and the odds are that with treatment the person will live. However in cases where the cancer advances to a metastatic stage then the likelihood is significantly diminished. For example, with metastic breast cancer fewer than twenty five percent of female patients will be alive 5 or more years following diagnosis. Still, with early detection and treatment greater than ninety five percent will live beyond five. It is due to this injury that a doctor who is responsible for a delay in the diagnosis of the cancer may be liable for medical malpractice.
Obviously if you have any worries about your health or the health of a baby you should seek advice from a doctor without delay. The material in this post is intended for general educational purposes only and is not should not be considered medical advice. Likewise, it is not legal advice. If you believe you or someone in your family have been the victim of a physician’s error you ought to speak to an attorney right away because the law restricts the time you have to pursue a lawsuit.