What You Need to Know About Anoxic Brain Injuries During Birth

What Is an Anoxic Brain Injury?

An anoxic brain injury happens when the brain doesn't get enough oxygen. This can occur before or during birth if the umbilical cord wraps around the infant's neck or due to other complications. Even a few minutes without enough oxygen can cause a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

An anoxic brain injury can lead to brain cell death within minutes and can result in complications like cognitive and developmental delays, brain damage, or weakened limbs. In severe cases, it can even lead to premature death.

How Are Anoxic Brain Injuries Caused?

Anoxic brain injuries that occur during birth can be caused by several factors. Some of the most common causes include a failure to monitor for fetal distress, complications during labor and delivery, and failure to order a cesarean section delivery when necessary. 

Causes of anoxic brain injuries resulting in liability:

• Umbilical cord prolapse
• Prolonged, difficult labor
• Placental abruption
• Undiagnosed maternal infection
• Trauma during labor and delivery

The most important thing you can do to protect your right to recovery is to discuss your case with an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help investigate the cause of your child’s anoxic brain injury and determine whether you have a valid claim for damages. 

What Are the Signs of an Anoxic Brain Injury?

During the birthing process, a healthcare provider should constantly monitor for signs of fetal distress. Failure to monitor and timely diagnosis can create long-term health problems for your unborn child. It may be challenging to diagnose a brain injury immediately after birth, but you should be on the lookout for any unusual symptoms.
Signs of an anoxic brain injury:

• Seizures
• Excessive crying
• Difficulty sleeping 
• Elevated heart rate
• Limited movement or paralysis

Any failure to hit critical milestones may indicate that your child sustained severe trauma at birth. If you are concerned about your infant’s development, you need to speak with a medical professional and consult with an attorney.

What to Do If Your Child Suffers Complete Oxygen Deprivation at Birth

When a child suffers an injury at birth, you deserve answers. Oxygen deprivation is one of the most common complications during the labor and delivery process. Whether it is partial oxygen deprivation or a complete lack of oxygen, you deserve to know what caused it and whether someone can be held accountable for your child’s harm.

At The Beasley Firm, we understand the devastation that a birth injury can cause. Anoxic brain injuries are serious and can prove fatal. Our attorneys have over 60 years of experience helping birth injury victims and their families. We will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation allowed by law. If your child suffered oxygen deprivation during birth, contact our office at (215) 866-2424 to discuss your legal options with an attorney. 

Hiring a Qualified Attorney

If you believe that your child sustained an anoxic brain injury at birth, it is important to consult with an attorney. A birth injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and fight for you to receive compensation. Damages in an anoxic brain injury case may include money to cover your child’s medical bills, pain and suffering, future care and treatment, and more.  

Was your infant diagnosed with an anoxic brain injury? Contact our office at (215) 866-2424 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our attorneys can help you hold negligent healthcare providers accountable for their wrongdoing. 

A lack of oxygen at birth can have lifelong complications. You deserve compensation to help ensure that your child receives the best care and treatment available.