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It is the hope of every parent that their child is born into this world healthy and happy. The medical team in charge of pregnancy have a large role in ensuring that is possible. Unfortunately, some medical practitioners may fail to properly handle a child during a delivery. If your child was injured while you were giving birth, you should consult with an experienced Dallas birth injury lawyer today.
The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. is prepared to help you pursue compensation against a negligent doctor or hospital that caused your child to suffer a serious injury. Watching your child suffer a serious birth injury can be a traumatic experience, and we are here for you in your time of need. To schedule a free legal consultation, contact The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797, or contact us online.
How Umbilical Cord Injuries Happen
The umbilical cord is necessary for a child to receive oxygenated blood and other nutrients needed for them to grow in the womb. It is also responsible for carrying deoxygenated blood from the womb to the placenta. While the umbilical cord provides a child with nourishment, it can also be the cause of a serious injury.
A nuchal cord is a term that is used when an umbilical cord wraps around a child’s neck. Nuchal cords are categorized into two categories depending on the cord has wrapped around the neck of an infant: Type A Nuchal Cord and Type B Nuchal Cord.
Type A Nuchal Cord is when the umbilical cord wraps around the infant’s neck in a 360-degree fashion that may come untangled when the child moves. Type B Nuchal Cord is when the umbilical cord ends up tied into a knot that cannot be undone when the child moves. While both types of nuchal cords are dangerous for an infant, Type B cords may require a procedure to correct if the child begins to lose oxygen.
There are a number of reasons why an umbilical cord could become entangled around a child’s neck. For example, if an umbilical cord becomes longer than average, there is an increased risk that the cord could knot or become entangled around the child’s neck. Other factors that can increase the risk of an umbilical cord becoming entangled include:
- A child leaving the womb in breech position (feet first) twisting the cord in a dangerous manner
- The presence of twins or more children in the womb can cause umbilical cords to tangle
- The collapse of an umbilical cord caught between the fetus and the wall of the uterus
It is important to note that there are some ways that a doctor could diagnose whether an umbilical cord is wrapped around a baby’s neck. One possibility is the use of an ultrasound to check on the status of the fetus. It is important to note that medical staff is mostly limited to monitoring a child if they become wrapped in an umbilical cord. However, if a physician does not perform a cesarean section if the cord begins to asphyxiate the infant, they could be held liable for an injury to the child. Lack of oxygen for even a small period of time can lead to a child suffering from brain damage and other health issues.
To learn more about filing a lawsuit for medical malpractice against a negligent medical practitioner, continue reading and speak with an experienced Texas birth injury lawyer.
When to File a Lawsuit for Medical Malpractice Birth Injuries
If you believe that your child was the victim of medical malpractice, you should consider filing a lawsuit against the parties responsible. It is important to note that a medical malpractice lawsuit is subject to the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations sets the deadline for a civil or a criminal case. This means a plaintiff must file within a certain timeframe for their case to be approved by the court.
In Texas, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice lawsuits is two years from the date of the injury. If a plaintiff does not file within this timeframe, the court may bar their claim and prevent the plaintiff from seeking compensation for their injuries. That is why it is important to speak with an attorney regarding your case as soon as possible.
Our firm could help you explore your legal options if your child was injured at birth.
Contact an Experienced Dallas Umbilical Cord Injury Lawyer You Can Trust
If your child was the victim of medical malpractice, you should contact an experienced Dallas medical malpractice attorney today. At The Queenan Law Firm, P.C., our devoted legal team possesses a wealth of experience litigating a wide range of birth injury cases, and we would be honored to work with you. To schedule a free case evaluation to discuss your situation, contact The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797.