Birth of the Royal Baby
History has been made; the Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine Middleton, delivered the royal baby, a son, at 4:24pm local time on July 22, 2013. The unnamed royal baby weighed 8lbs 6oz and will be third in line to throne of Britain following his grandfather, Prince Charles, and father, Prince William.
Kate Closes off Wing for Royal Baby Birth
While not many details have been released about the birth of the royal baby, Prince William reportedly stayed by Kate’s bedside throughout the labor. The birth took place in the Lindo Wing at St. Mary’s Hospital where Princes William and Harry, among other British royals, had been born. According to media outlets, the Lindo Wing has been upgraded and is more lavish than ever after a major renovation was completed last year. Not only does the wing boast the highest quality of care, it offers a birthing pool, a safe, daily newspaper delivers, individual birthing rooms, radio and Internet access and satellite television.
Due to the extreme importance of the birth of the royal baby, William and Kate and their guests were able to reserve the entire wing for this special event. The couple and their guests reportedly enjoyed a full catering staff that offered a complete wine list and champagne for such celebratory moments, among other items. Kate was to be given the best medical attention that money could buy considering the future status of the royal baby she was carrying.
Unfortunately, while the world is celebrating in the birth of the royal baby and an heir to the British throne, it is important to remember that not all babies are lucky enough to be born with the assistance of the top medical physicians and equipment. In fact, many newborns suffer from birth trauma or injuries that result from complications during labor and delivery. The royal baby and his parents were fortunate enough to receive the top medical care available, but for “regular” parents, such is not an affordable luxury.
Common Birth Injuries
The degree of birth injuries suffered by newborns range from minor bruising to severe damage to the brain or nervous system. While most birth injuries do not result from medical malpractice, these cases unfortunately do exist. However, an experienced attorney can help you to evaluate the specifics surrounding the incident to determine the best course of action. Common birth injuries include:
Bruising or forceps marks- Caput succedaneum or the swelling of the tissues of the baby’s scalp
- Cephalohematoma or an area of bleeding between a bone and the fibrous covering
- Sub-conjunctival hemorrhage or the breakdown of small blood vessels in the baby’s eyes
- Facial paralysis or damage to the nerves in the face
- Brachial palsy or damage to the nerves in the arms and hands
- Fractures of the collarbone or clavicle during labor and delivery
- Spinal cord injuries
- Cerebral palsy
- Perinatal asphyxia or an oxygen deficiency
These, among other injuries may be sustained due to prolonged labor or an abnormal birthing presentation such as a breech delivery. If a physician is not experienced to redirect the course of labor or delivery to accommodate such last-minute issues, the baby may suffer from trauma. Additionally, dystocia, or a difficult labor or childbirth, may lead to complications. Typically, large babies weighing over 8lbs 13oz are not always able to be delivered through the birth canal, depending on the size of the mother’s pelvis, and babies born premature or before 37 weeks may have more fragile bodies and be injured more easily than full-term babies.
Contact Our Office Today
Luckily, the royal baby was delivered with no reported complications or injuries. However, if you or someone you love delivered a child and the baby suffered from trauma or injuries, contact Attorney Group for Tennessee today. Whether you believe you have a medical malpractice case in that the doctor was negligent during labor and delivery or you feel that the birthing facility did not act in such a way to ensure the safe arrival of your child, we can help to determine if you have a claim. You may be entitled to seek compensation for medical bills, future surgeries, pain and suffering, and any injuries sustained to the child in the process.
