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Seeking compensation when a baby is born with broken bones

Posted in Medical Malpractice on March 20, 2018

Expectant mothers and fathers in Ohio often do a great deal of planning when it comes to the birth of their child. They consider the medications the mother does or does not want during labor, where they want to have their baby and even what type of music they want playing during the delivery.

Unfortunately, no matter how well soon-to-be new parents plan, situations can and do arise during childbirth that change everything. For instance, a baby being born with a broken bone is likely not in most parents’ birth plan. Sadly, broken bones are some of the most common birth injuries.

Commonly broken bones

According to information from the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the following is a list of infant bones most often broken or fractured during delivery.

  • Clavicle, or collarbone
  • Humerus, or upper arm
  • Femur, or thigh
  • Skull fracture

Possible causes of broken bones

There are numerous potential causes of infant broken bones, including negligence. A baby’s bone might break if a mother is in labor too long, or if a doctor misuses a tool to assist in the delivery. Attempts by a doctor to reposition a baby during labor could also lead to broken bones if he or she is too rough.

Helping a baby recover

Thankfully, broken bones typically heal within a matter of weeks as long as a baby receives adequate care and is monitored properly. If this doesn’t happen, then damage could be permanent and lead to other troubling conditions.

Taking legal action

Not only does it cost money to treat and care for a birth injury (especially when treatment requires extended hospital stays), but it can also be emotionally distressing for parents to cope with having an injured newborn.

In cases where a baby is born with a broken bone, parents may have grounds for legal action if the injury was the result of negligent or reckless care. To assess your options if you are dealing with this difficult scenario, you can consult an attorney familiar with pursuing birth injury claims.