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Oxygen Deprivation at Birth • Help When You Need It Most

Washington, D.C. birth injury attorneys dedicated to protecting children’s future

The period before, during and just after birth (known as the perinatal period) requires diligent medical care to protect the brain health of infants. With proper testing, doctors can often detect and treat a decrease in oxygen intake that would otherwise leave infants with perinatal asphyxia, which can result in a lifetime of neurologic and other problems.

The experienced Washington, D.C. lawyers at Jack H. Olender & Associates, PC understand that even diligent, high-quality medical care cannot guarantee that every child will be born without medical concerns. But when infants suffer injury because of negligent care, our mission is to help families obtain the financial compensation they need to provide the best care for their children.

Failure of doctors to observe a specific standard of care can lead to perinatal asphyxia

The indicators of oxygen deprivation can appear at any point during the perinatal period, so doctors need to remain vigilant for early symptoms such as abnormal fetal heart rate before birth. During the birth process, they must observe umbilical cord position. Immediately after birth, they need to monitor skin color, muscle tone and breathing.

At the first sign of distress, a doctor must take immediate action. In some cases, an early delivery or caesarian section can help prevent a lifetime of medical issues. Even after birth, the use of breathing equipment or medication can provide a positive outcome for infants after oxygen deprivation. But failure to diagnose and properly treat can contribute to unnecessary birth injuries.

The effects of oxygen deprivation at birth can be devastating for the entire family

The brain requires a constant flow of oxygen, so even relatively short-term oxygen deprivation can cause serious injuries. The National Institutes of Health cites a number of potentially severe outcomes depending on the extent of damage, including:

  • Cognitive and behavioral impairment
  • Motor retardation
  • Epilepsy
  • Hearing or vision impairment
  • Quadriplegia or hemiplegia

When injuries like these could have been prevented by a reasonable effort to properly monitor and initiate early treatment, families need the support of a preeminent law firm. The attorneys at Jack H. Olender & Associates, PC have extensive experience proving these challenging legal cases. We provide the dedicated and compassionate support to guide families through a stressful legal process.

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