Perinatal Asphyxia

Perinatal asphyxia results from a lack of oxygen either before, during, or after birth. Unfortunately, it is a common type of birth injuries, with potential impacts that can be severe, disabling, and even life threatening.     

At Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C., our birth injury attorneys understand how devastating this condition can be for you and your family, and the enormous costs that are often involved in caring for your child. We provide the professional legal representation you need at a time your family needs it most, and can advise you on the best course of action to get the compensation you need to recover.         

What Causes Perinatal Asphyxia?

Healthline advises that it is important for physicians to carefully monitor both the mother’s and the baby’s oxygen level before and throughout the birthing process, to ensure they are receiving the proper amount of oxygen. The infant’s heart rate should also be carefully monitored, as this is another key indicator of oxygen deprivation. In addition to slow heart rate, symptoms of perinatal asphyxia include difficulty breathing, skin that appears pale or blue, and weak muscle tone. Common causes of the condition include the following:   

• Low oxygen or low or high blood pressure in the mother during labor;
• Long, difficult deliveries;
• Infections of the mother or baby;
• The placenta separating from the uterus, restricting oxygen flow;
• The umbilical wrapping around the baby’s neck.

Babies with perinatal asphyxia must be closely monitored, and in severe cases, may require a ventilator to support breathing.

How Our Birth Injury Attorney Can Help

In addition to breathing issues, doctors at Johns Hopkins Medicine advise that infants with perinatal asphyxia may experience neurological problems, including coma and seizures, as well as problems with organ system functions, particularly with the circulatory, digestive and respiratory systems.

Doctors who fail to detect symptoms of perinatal asphyxia or take the appropriate steps to either prevent or respond to those symptoms may be held liable for any damages you suffer through a medical malpractice lawsuit. Compensation you may be able to claim includes:

• Current and ongoing medical expenses, including rehabilitative therapy;
• Lost wages if you or your spouse need to quit your job to care for your child;
• Future losses in earning resulting from your child’s disability;
• Compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional anguish resulting from your child’s injuries.  

Has Your Child Suffered A Birth Injury?

If your child suffers from perinatal asphyxia and you suspect your doctor’s actions led to the condition, contact Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C. today. Our birth injury attorneys can advise you on how to get compensation for the injuries your child suffered, while offering the personalized, professional representation you need to ensure your family’s rights are protected.