Ohio Birth Negligence Attorneys Fight for Newborns with Head Injuries

An alarming number of newborns suffer concussions

Concussions are one of the most commonly reported head injuries in hospitals and urgent care centers throughout the country. A concussion occurs when a person suffers a jolt, blow, or bump to the head that causes the brain to quickly move back and forth inside the skull. Concussions are also called mild traumatic brain injuries. Although most people associate concussions with sports, motor vehicle crashes, and other types of accidents, newborns may also suffer concussions if they are not properly cared for by medical professionals. At The Eisen Law Firm, we take pride in protecting the legal rights of the most vulnerable members of the population—our children.

How does a newborn suffer a concussion?

There are several ways that newborns may suffer concussions. These include:

• Being dropped by a medical professional

• Being dropped by parents or visitors in the hospital

• Falling from the mother’s hospital bed

• Abuse

If a newborn suffers a concussion, the newborn should be assessed immediately and thoroughly for signs of serious injury.

What are the signs of a concussion in a baby?

There are several symptoms of a concussion, including:

• Loss of consciousness

• A change in mental status—sudden, excessive crying or extreme drowsiness, for example

• A bruise or lump on the head

• Vomiting (not spitting up)

The following symptoms indicate a medical emergency:

• Pupils of different sizes

• Blood or clear fluid draining from the baby’s nose or ears

• The head looks deformed

• The soft spot in the skull is bulging

• Extended loss of consciousness (more than a few seconds)

• Paleness

• Changes in breathing

• Difficulty rousing the baby after the incident

If left untreated, a concussion in a baby may lead to serious complications. For example, if a baby was dropped and hit its head, it could suffer bleeding in the brain and other life-threatening conditions. If a negligent medical professional caused your baby’s concussion, or if your baby’s concussion was not treated promptly by medical staff, you may be entitled to compensation.

What compensation is available in a birth negligence case?

If you prevail in your birth negligence case, you and your family may be entitled to a variety of damages. These include:

• Medical expenses that were incurred as a result of the negligence

• The cost of future medical care that may be necessary

• The cost of hiring in-home health aides and other caregivers

• Lost wages and lost employment benefits – both past and future

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress

• The cost of altering a home to accommodate an injury

• Loss of consortium

• If a death has occurred, funeral, burial, and related expenses

Other damages may also be available, depending on the facts of the case. With the assistance of an experienced birth negligence attorney, your odds of prevailing and recovering compensation are much higher.

Call The Eisen Law Firm today to set up a free consultation

At The Eisen Law Firm, our attorneys focus exclusively on medical negligence claims, including birth negligence claims. To schedule your free consultation with our experienced attorneys, call 216-687-0900 or contact us online.