Advocating for Justice in Intracranial Hemorrhages
The birth of a child is a time of joy and anticipation, but for some families, it becomes a heartbreaking experience due to preventable medical errors. Brain injuries in babies, including intracranial hemorrhages (commonly referred to as brain bleeds), can result from negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. These injuries often lead to lifelong challenges, requiring families to navigate complex medical, emotional, and financial realities. At Van Wey, Metzler & Williams, we are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of families affected by these devastating injuries.
What Are Intracranial Hemorrhages?
An intracranial hemorrhage occurs when blood vessels in a baby’s brain rupture, leading to bleeding within the brain. This type of brain injury is often associated with trauma during birth, oxygen deprivation, or improper use of delivery tools. The severity of the damage depends on the location and extent of the bleeding, but the consequences can include serious developmental, cognitive, and physical impairments.
Types of Intracranial Hemorrhages in Babies
Intracranial hemorrhages can manifest in several forms, each with varying degrees of severity:
- Subdural Hemorrhage: Bleeding between the brain’s surface and the dura (outermost brain membrane), often caused by excessive force during delivery.
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Bleeding in the space between the brain and the thin tissues covering the brain, frequently resulting from birth trauma or oxygen deprivation.
- Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH): Bleeding into the brain’s ventricular system, typically affecting premature infants or those with low birth weight.
- Cerebral Hemorrhage: Bleeding within the brain tissue itself, leading to significant damage and potential lifelong impairments.
Each of these injuries can have profound, long-term consequences for the baby and their family.
Common Causes of Intracranial Hemorrhages
Many brain injuries in newborns are preventable and result from medical negligence. Common causes include:
- Improper Use of Delivery Tools: Incorrect use of forceps or vacuum extractors can cause trauma to the baby’s skull and brain.
- Prolonged or Delayed Labor: Failure to perform a timely C-section in cases of fetal distress can lead to oxygen deprivation and brain damage.
- Excessive Force During Delivery: Mishandling of the baby during delivery can cause physical trauma and brain bleeding.
- Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress: Neglecting signs of fetal distress can delay necessary interventions, leading to oxygen deprivation and subsequent brain injury.
- Inadequate Management of Preterm Births: Premature babies are particularly vulnerable to brain bleeds, and inadequate care can exacerbate their risks.
Symptoms and Long-Term Effects of Brain Bleeds
The symptoms of intracranial hemorrhages in babies can vary depending on the severity and type of injury. Immediate signs may include:
- Poor feeding or lethargy
- Seizures or abnormal movements
- Unstable vital signs
- Bulging soft spot (fontanel) on the baby’s head
- Difficulty breathing
Over time, these injuries may lead to:
- Developmental Delays: Delays in reaching milestones like sitting, crawling, or walking.
- Cognitive Impairments: Learning disabilities or intellectual challenges.
- Cerebral Palsy: Movement disorders caused by damage to the developing brain.
- Seizure Disorders: Lifelong challenges with epilepsy or other neurological conditions.
- Behavioral Challenges: Difficulty with emotional regulation or social interactions.
For many families, these challenges require lifelong medical care, therapies, and support systems.
How Van Wey, Metzler & Williams Can Help
At Van Wey, Metzler & Williams, we specialize in representing families impacted by catastrophic birth injuries, including brain injuries in babies. Our experienced attorneys understand the immense challenges these injuries bring and are dedicated to fighting for justice and financial security for our clients.
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
Our legal team works closely with medical experts to thoroughly review medical records and identify any errors or negligence that may have caused your baby’s injury. We focus on uncovering:
- Missed signs of fetal distress
- Delayed or improper delivery techniques
- Errors in the use of delivery tools
- Failure to provide appropriate care for premature babies
Securing Maximum Compensation
Brain injuries in newborns often require extensive medical care and long-term support. We fight to secure compensation for:
- Immediate and ongoing medical expenses
- Costs of physical, occupational, and speech therapies
- Adaptive equipment and home modifications
- Lost earning potential and future care needs
- Pain and suffering for both the baby and their family
Driving Systemic Change
Beyond individual cases, we are committed to improving healthcare standards by holding negligent providers accountable. By shining a light on preventable errors, we aim to push for better safety protocols and accountability in labor and delivery.
Real Stories: Families We’ve Helped
Case Study: Improper Use of Delivery Tools
A baby suffered a severe subdural hemorrhage due to improper use of a vacuum extractor during delivery. The injury resulted in cerebral palsy, requiring lifelong care. Our attorneys successfully secured a multi-million-dollar settlement, providing the family with financial security to care for their child.
Case Study: Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress
In another case, a medical team failed to recognize and respond to signs of oxygen deprivation during labor. The baby suffered hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), leading to severe developmental delays. Our firm held the hospital accountable, obtaining a verdict that allowed the family to access specialized care and therapies.
Why Families Trust Van Wey, Metzler & Williams
Expertise in Birth Injury Cases
With decades of experience handling birth injury cases, our firm has the knowledge and resources needed to tackle even the most complex claims. We’ve earned a reputation as leaders in medical malpractice litigation, advocating fiercely for families nationwide.
Compassionate Support
We understand the emotional toll these injuries take on families. Our attorneys provide empathetic, personalized support throughout the legal process, ensuring you feel heard and cared for every step of the way.
Proven Results
Our track record of success speaks for itself. We’ve secured millions of dollars in compensation for families affected by birth injuries, helping them rebuild their lives and access the care they need.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
If your family has been affected by a brain injury or intracranial hemorrhage caused by medical negligence, don’t face this battle alone. At Van Wey, Metzler & Williams, we are here to provide the legal expertise and compassionate support you need to move forward.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call (888) 414-1158 or fill out our online contact form to discuss your case with our experienced birth injury attorneys. Together, we can seek accountability, secure justice, and create a better future for your family.
