Every year in Indiana, a number of babies are born with serious injuries or birth defects. Many times, these problems are unavoidable. However, in some cases, the baby’s injuries are caused by preventable medical errors.

Medical malpractice claims involving birth injuries frequently involve negligent monitoring during labor. Nurses or doctors can fail to respond to signs during labor that the baby is in distress. As a result, the baby suffers oxygen deprivation and is born with a brain injury known as hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, a condition which often leads to the development of cerebral palsy.

Medical errors at the time of delivery can also lead to birth injury. Improper application of forceps or vacuum extractors can cause brain injuries or death. Improper handling of a condition known as shoulder dystocia can cause permanent nerve injury affecting the use of the arm, a condition known as Erb’s palsy.

Birth injuries are devastating to the affected child and to the parents. The attorneys at Garau Germano Hanley & Pennington, P.C. have extensive experience and success handling claims involving all types of birth injuries. If your family has suffered a birth injury that may be due to a medical error, please contact us for a free consultation.