Brain Injury and Medical Negligence
Medical malpractice cases happen more often than you think. While some cases are minor, a doctor’s negligence can easily lead to serious injuries such as brain injuries.
Brain injuries can affect victims for the rest of their lives. In 2010, brain injuries led to 715.7 emergency room visits per 100,000 people and 17.1 deaths per 100,000 people.
There are many ways in which medical malpractice can lead to brain injury. Read on to learn more about the role of medical negligence in a brain injury case.
Causes of Brain Injury
A medical error can affect the brain in many ways. Some mistakes are subtle, while others can cause immediate damage.
Brain injuries can be caused by surgical errors, infections, birth trauma, medication errors, abuse and a lack of oxygen. A blood infection called sepsis can cause organs to fail. Even when doctors are able to cure the sepsis, the patient is often left with brain damage.
Babies can suffer brain damage at birth. Birth trauma often happens during labor, when there is a lack of oxygen. When the brain damage happens during the delivery process, it is often caused by medical negligence due to improper use of forceps, vacuum suction, and other instruments. The baby’s nerves and blood vessels can be damaged. As a result, the baby can suffer cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, hematomas, fractures, bruises, and hemorrhages.
While anesthesia can alleviate pain, it can also lead to brain damage if used improperly. Overdosing, intubation errors and lack of monitoring can lead to oxygen deprivation. The patient can have a stroke and suffer brain damage. The anesthesiologist needs to monitor blood flow to the brain and check to see if the patient has vomited during surgery. If a patient inhales the vomit, it can get into the lungs and deprive him or her of oxygen.
Brain injuries can happen during surgery. If a procedure is not performed properly, it can lead to brain damage. Any type of surgical procedure involving the head, such as TMJ surgery, brain surgery, and jaw repair have to be done correctly or they can lead to brain trauma.
Brain injuries can also occur when a patient is dropped during a procedure. For example, if the patient is under anesthesia and falls to the ground or has an object dropped on him or her, the patient can suffer serious injuries.
Work With an Experienced Brain Injury Accident Lawyer
Brain injuries can cause permanent damage to the body. With the right compensation, you can treat your brain injury and prevent further damage. However, you can not do this alone. Medical malpractice cases tend to rule in favor of the doctor, so you need the right legal help for a favorable outcome.
The brain injury accident lawyers at Peters Berger Koshel & Goldberg, P.C. will offer aggressive representation so you get the compensation you deserve for your damages. We can hold the doctors and other medical professionals liable for their actions. Schedule a free consultation by calling our office at 718-596-7800.