Servicing Thunder Bay and all of Ontario
It’s a moment everyone in the delivery room waits for with bated breath – the first piercing cry that lets everyone know a newborn has taken her first breath and filled her lungs with the oxygen her precious little body needs to survive and thrive.
Sadly, sometimes no cry is heard at all. Other times, there is an excruciating delay in hearing the sound as doctors work feverishly to clear a block air passage or remove fluid from the newborn’s lungs. Each second that passes by can turn anticipation into fear and dread – is my child’s brain getting the air it needs?
Brain Injuries and Other Common Types of Birth Injuries
When a fetus or infant is deprived of oxygen (asphyxia), receives an insufficient amount of oxygen (hypoxia) or when there is an absence of oxygen (anoxia) for a significant period of time before, during or immediately after birth, its body can suffer physical damage, including most commonly brain damage.
Oxygen deficiency can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma in utero, placental insufficiency, prolapsed umbilical cord, shoulder dystocia or a maternal condition (preeclampsia, eclampsia, or excessive medications). While some of these factors may unavoidable, prompt medical intervention and adhering to proper standards of care can sometimes minimize damage or even prevent a birth injury from occurring. For example, warning signs for fetal distress and oxygen deprivation include fetal tachycardia (abnormally high heart rate) and very long deliveries.
If a developing brain receives this kind of trauma and irreversible damage, it can lead to challenging conditions including cerebral palsy and mobility impairments, severe learning disabilities, behavioural problems and epileptic seizures.
Other serious types of birth injuries include meconium aspiration (an infant ingests a mixture of its first fecal matter and amniotic fluids), scarring and nerve damage from extraction tools and medical instruments, and spinal cord injuries which may cause loss of sensations or function.
We’re Here To Help
The cost of treating and managing conditions caused by a birth injury over a newborn’s lifetime can be extremely high, and the pain and suffering the infant’s loved one’s experience in the aftermath of these adverse birth events is immense. The feelings we experience following these tragic birth stories, ranging from sadness and despair to devastation and anger, may become amplified if we learn obstetrical malpractice played a role in causing or contributing to these injuries.
If standards of care were breached due to a medical provider’s negligent actions or inaction and your loved one experience harm, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your loss. Howie, Sacks and Henry’s birth injury lawyers are available to help you take action in Thunder Bay.
Our skilled and experienced team has developed expertise in this challenging area of law. As one of Canada’s top personal injury firms, as recognized by our peers, we have earned a reputation for being able to handle even very complex cases of birth injuries caused by obstetrical malpractice.
An HSH birth injury lawyer can arrange to meet you in your own home in Thunder Bay or at a nearby consultation office, so you’ll never need to worry that distance or your ability to travel will keep you from receiving high quality legal representation. As we listen to your story, we will advise you on your options,arrange the necessary tests and assessments to strengthen your claim, and support you in finding treatment to help you and/or your child get the care you need to cope or heal.
At HSH, we understand that we are meeting you at one of the most difficult times in your life. We strive to serve you with empathy, compassion and kindness to ensure you feel respected at all times. Becoming your advocate is a responsibility we take seriously, and we want you to know that you are never just a case to us.
Trust HSH to be on your side and by your side as we navigate the legal process. Together, we will work to access the compensation and financial resources you need to give you and your loved ones the quality of life they deserve.
Looking to work with a birth injury lawyer in Thunder Bay? Contact Us.
We serve the Thunder Bay and surrounding areas. When you think Birth Injuries Lawyer Thunder Bay, Think Howie, Sacks & Henry.
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