A birth injury attorney notes that providing oxygen to newborns, while often beneficial and life-saving, also carries risks for the infant. When a child is injured from negligently administered oxygen after birth, both child and family may be eligible to seek compensation with the help of a medical malpractice attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group today. Our consultations are free, confidential and without any obligation on your part. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated birth injury attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
Important: The time you have to pursue a claim is limited. Contact us for more information.
The Risks of Oxygen For Preemies and Newborns
Sometimes newborns require extra medical attention and treatment. One commmon requirement and treatment is the administration of extra oxygen, which can be problematic if not administered correctly.
For premature babies, certain problems with the heart and lungs often require the administration of oxygen. While this can be beneficial, it can also be harmful in that it can cause problems such as irritation of the nose and infection to more severe problems such as blindness or even death, if not administered properly.
For premature babies and “normal” newborns alike, one of the more common oxygen administration methods includes using a nasal cannula. The nasal cannula involves the use of a soft, flexible tube with two small prongs that fit inside the baby’s nose for the administration of oxygen. Depending on the force and volume of airflow, the use of the nasal cannula method can sometimes cause irritation and bleeding due to dry, cracked skin inside the nose, as well as the formation of mucous plugs which increase the risk of infection.
Other risks associated with the administration of oxygen to newborns include cell damage, which can lead to such severe problems as heart and brain damage. The administration of too much oxygen can cause lung damage, brain damage, and blindness.
How a Birth Injury Attorney Can Help
The parents of children who suffered birth injuries due to healthcare provider negligence may be entitled to compensation for damages, including the child’s:
- Medical expenses
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
- Scarring or physical deformities caused by the birth defect or treatment
If a child died due to a birth injury, family members may be entitled to compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one, including:
- Conscious pain and suffering of their child prior to death
- Pain, suffering, and mental anguish from the loss of a child
- Funeral expenses
Affected families are encouraged to seek the advice of a birth injury attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. You can fill out the form on this page, call us at the number listed at the top of the page, or email us at info@attorneygroup.com.
When you contact us, an attorney will follow up with you to speak with you about your case or answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
See our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information, and contact Attorney Group today.
