Maryland Attorney for Infant Cognitive Impairment from Birth Injury

Giving birth to a child is supposed to be the start of an amazing journey shared by the parents and the child. Unfortunately, a serious birth injury could hamper that adventure. If your child suffered a birth injury that resulted in a brain injury, they could be facing a lifetime of difficulties. Cognitive impairment is a condition that impairs an infant’s mental abilities and will have a severe impact for years to come.

We trust our medical professionals and obstetricians to care for our unborn and newborn children. When mistakes occur, they often lead to years of emotional distress and financial strain. We believe that doctors and other healthcare providers should be held accountable for their preventable errors. If your child suffered a brain injury during delivery, contact our Maryland birth injury attorney for infant cognitive impairment from birth injury. Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 to schedule a free consultation to review your options

What is Cognitive Impairment in Maryland Infants?

Cognitive impairment is a medical condition that affects an individual’s ability to remember, understand, and process information and apply it properly within the context of their lives. Unfortunately, it is often the result of brain damage in infants that occurred before, during, or just after birth. In many cases, the brain damage was preventable and caused by mistakes by the obstetrician or their medical team. Infants that suffer from cognitive impairment will typically require physical, emotional, and financial assistance for much of their lives.

Symptoms of Cognitive Impairment Found in Maryland Infants

The symptoms of cognitive impairment include a wide range of conditions depending on the severity of the damage the infant suffered. Many will become more apparent as the child ages. Early on, an infant could experience difficulty focusing, nursing, and struggling with early motor skills. As the child develops, more pronounced symptoms could appear. Because cognitive impairment affects the ability to process information, a child might demonstrate an inability to remember things, suffer from learning disabilities, and have difficulty concentrating for even short periods. Over time, these conditions could also include a significant loss of higher reasoning and a decrease in intelligence.

Preventable Birth Injuries Causing Cognitive Impairment in Maryland Infants

While cognitive impairment could affect an adult who experiences a traumatic accident, it is often the result of a preventable birth injury.

Birth injuries that result in any type of brain damage could cause cognitive impairment. When an infant is deprived of oxygen or suffers a loss of blood, the damage that occurs is often rapid and requires immediate medical attention. Medical mistakes and malpractice occur when doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals fail to recognize and respond to symptoms of fetal distress during pregnancy or at the time of delivery.

When an infant is deprived of oxygen, they are suffering from asphyxia or hypoxia. Without immediate treatment, a child is in danger of experiencing a permanent brain injury and cognitive impairment. In some cases, it is imperative that a doctor order an emergency c-section to protect the child’s health.

Umbilical Cord Prolapse, Nuchal Cord, and Cord Occlusion

There are a number of conditions that could lead to an infant being deprived of life-giving oxygen during pregnancy and the delivery. Doctors and other medical professionals must monitor the status of the mother and child and take appropriate actions when confronted with complications that increase the risk of a birth injury.

The umbilical cord is the lifeline between the mother and the fetus. When an umbilical cord prolapse or cord occlusion occurs, the ability to transfer oxygen and nutrients to the baby becomes dangerously compromised. A doctor must correct the situation to protect the health of the infant. Sometimes the umbilical cord wraps itself around the baby’s neck. Known as a nuchal cord, this could lead to a significant loss of blood and oxygen to the baby’s brain.

Breech Delivery

In some situations, the position of the child in the womb could lead to birth injuries when a doctor negligently addresses the condition. A breech birth occurs when the baby is positioned with its feet facing downward towards the birth canal. Often, a doctor will have to reposition or assist the baby through the delivery process. When too much force is applied, either by the doctor’s hands or through the use of surgical instruments, such as forceps, the pressure on the baby’s head could result in brain damage and cognitive impairment.

Placental Infarction and Placental Abruption

A placental infarction occurs when there is an interruption of blood to part of the placenta, causing its cells to die. This condition will disrupt the delivery of oxygen and blood to the baby, potentially causing cognitive impairment if not treated. A loss of blood and oxygen also occurs if the placenta becomes detached from the uterus. Known as placental abruption, this condition places the child at an increased risk of brain damage.

The deprivation of oxygen from a developing baby often causes cognitive impairment and other neurological problems. Unfortunately, while many of the conditions that result in a loss of oxygen are foreseeable, doctors and other medical professionals often fail to accurately diagnose the conditions or react in time to protect the child.

Call Our Maryland Attorney for Infant Cognitive Impairment from Birth Injury for a Free Consultation

When an infant suffers from cognitive impairment, they will need significant assistance for the rest of their lives. This places a substantial emotional, mental, and financial burden on the family. If your child experienced a birth injury and brain damage due to the negligence of your doctor, contact our Maryland attorney for infant cognitive impairment from birth injury today. You deserve to be compensated for your pain, suffering, and financial loss. Call Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291 to schedule a free consultation.