There is nothing more terrifying to a new parent than to think about their child becoming sick or being injured. The feeling of helplessness that can overcome new parents can be overwhelming.
Anything can happen during the trauma of birth. For parents that suspect malpractice or that their child has been injured by negligence, the road to getting fair compensation can be long and complicated.
The most important aspect of acting on behalf of your child in the case of a malpractice lawsuit is to get the best advice from a lawyer . Proving malpractice or negligence can be difficult. You should rely on a qualified attorney to help you build a case that you can win on behalf of your child.
No matter how much you try to protect your child, accidents can happen. But, when you put the care of your child into the hands of a medical professional you should be able to expect only the highest quality of care. Some of the most common causes of medical malpractice involving children include:
Appendicitis
- Younger children are often misdiagnosed. Toddlers can not communicate where the pain is coming from and how severe it is. Approximately 27% of appendix cases are misdiagnosed in children. Female children make up a large part of that percentage as problems with the appendix can be mistaken for urinary tract infections.
Meningitis
- Most commonly misdiagnosed in infants. Unless specific tests are ordered by your doctor, it is difficult to know for sure if symptoms are related to Meningitis.
Medication Error
- Prescription errors can range from ordering drugs that the child may be allergic to, improper monitoring of dosage, too high of a dosage and failure to follow up with side effects or negative reactions.
Birth Injury
- Birth Asphyxia and issues caused by a lack of oxygen during labor are common injuries. The use of forceps or vacuum during delivery can cause issues like Cerebral Palsy.
As a parent, if you suspect that your child may have been a victim of medical malpractice, it falls to you to take legal action on their behalf. The process can be overwhelming. Follow these steps to ensure that you get a fair amount of compensation for your child and their future expenses.
Step 1: Contact a malpractice lawyer.
Step 2: Gather all medical information and reports.
Step 3: Prove negligence or a lack in the standard of care.
Step 4: File your case prior to the expiration of the Statute of Limitations.
Conclusion
As a parent, it is your responsibility to care for and protect your child. When injury occurs as a result of malpractice or negligence you need to take immediate action on behalf of your child. Consult an attorney about your child's rights and how you can start building a winning case.