Understanding the What, How, and Liability of Infant Spinal Cord Injuries: Portland Birth Injury Lawyers Explain This Type of Oregon Medical Malpractice
Spinal cord injuries are a serious problem. There are approximately 17,730 new spinal cord injuries each year. There are almost 300,000 Americans living with spinal cord injuries. While most instances of spinal cord injuries occur due to accidents such as motor vehicles and falls, 4.3% of all spinal cord injuries are due to medical or surgical incidents. This means that there are over 762 spinal cord injuries each year caused by medical or surgical procedures. That is a large number considering that the costs of spinal cord injuries in the first year can span between almost $370,000 to $1.1 million. The more severe and younger the patient, the more costly the spinal cord injury. This is why infant spinal cord injuries are so devastating and damaging.
Our Portland birth injury lawyers know how destructive and devastating infant spinal cord injuries can be when it is due to Oregon medical malpractice. Victims and their families have significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens to overcome. These can be catastrophic personal injuries, especially for a newborn. Medical bills, surgical procedures, medication, and braces or modifications to a house, vehicle, bed, bathroom, and other parts of the home may add significant costs to caring for a newborn with infant spinal cord injuries. Learn more about this catastrophic injury and what it is, how it is caused, and why it is commonly Oregon medical malpractice due to Portland birth injuries.
What are Infant Spinal Cord Injuries?
Infant spinal cord injuries are damages done to the spinal cord. The spinal cord could be damaged during the birthing process or immediately after. In some instances, the spinal cord could be injured in such a way that the damage is permanent. There are two types of spinal cord injuries. The first is an incomplete or partial spinal cord injury where the spinal cord is partially damages but not completely severed. This means that there are some signals being sent between the brain and the rest fo the body, but there could be decreased sensation and function. The second is a complete or total spinal cord injury which is when the spinal cord is completely severed and there is no communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
Common Causes of Infant Spinal Cord Injuries Due to Oregon Medical Malpractice
There are many possible causes of infant spinal cord injuries. These injuries could result in debilitating damage which is permanent and will cause a lifetime of complications for a loved one. Some of the most common infant spinal cord injuries which occur due to Oregon medical malpractice include the following:
- Delays in performing a c-section
- Excessive use of traction tools such as vacuum extractors or forceps
- Rotational stresses on the spine (spinning the baby too much inside)
- Hyperextension of the baby’s head which can severe the spinal cord or damage it
- Pulling, yanking, grabbing, or otherwise places stress on a baby’s arm or neck by pulling from the arm
- Improper positioning
- Failure to monitor the baby to avoid an emergency
- Large baby or small birth canal, or a combination which should have been detected and avoided
- Overextending the baby’s back or neck, and
- Many other common causes from Oregon medical malpractice which should be reviewed by our Portland birth injury lawyers.
Complications from Infant Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are devastating. Besides the obvious inability to feel, sense, or have motor movement, spinal cord injuries can also cause other serious complications. These complications can become costly and expensive. Some of the most devastating injuries include the following:
- Loss of feeling or sensation, or pins and needles
- Paralysis or an inability to move or have motor function
- Bowel and bladder control problems such as incontinence
- Muscle spasms and abnormal reflex
- Nerve pain and reactions
- Difficulty breathing or abnormal breathing
- Muscle weakness and difficulty
- Abnormal movement
- Inability to walk or ambulate
- Difficulty with basic hygiene, including just feeding or drinking normally and independently
- Excessive pain that does not stop, and
- Many other common problems.
Infant Spinal Cord Injuries Should be Reviewed by Our Portland Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Spinal cord injuries caused by medical malpractice, surgeries, or other poor medical care is rare in that only 4.3% of all spinal cord injuries are caused by these mechanisms. However, spinal cord injuries are a serious problem and 4.3% of 17,730 new cases each year means that two people a day are harmed by medical errors causing spinal cord injuries. This is in addition to the already 300,000 people already with spinal cord injuries. When these victims are newborns with infant spinal cord injuries due to Oregon medical malpractice, they simply were not given a fair shot at life due to the careless, reckless, and downright negligence conduct of healthcare providers.
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed as a result of medical malpractice contact the Oregon Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Kuhlman Law at our number below or fill out the intake form. We offer a free initial case evaluation and handle cases on a contingency fee which means that you pay no money unless we recover.
Our law firm handles cases throughout the state including Bend and Portland Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Sisters, Madras, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, La Grande, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton, Cottage Grove, Florence, Oregon City, Springfield, Keizer, Grants Pass, McMinnville, Tualatin, West Linn, Forest Grove, Wilsonville, Newberg, Roseburg, Lake Oswego, Klamath Falls, Happy Valley, Tigard, Ashland, Milwakie, Coos Bay, The Dalles, St. Helens, Sherwood, Central Point, Canby, Troutdale, Hermiston, Silverton, Hood River, Newport, Prineville, Astoria, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Hillsboro, and Vancouver, Washington.
We also have an office in Minneapolis, Minnesota and take medical malpractice cases throughout the Twin Cities, including St. Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Washington County, Anoka County, Scott County, Blaine, Stillwater, and Saint Paul Minnesota.
Please act quickly, there is a limited time (Statute of Limitations) in which you can bring a claim under the law.
