Michigan Brain Injury Attorney

Brain Injuries Caused by Medical Malpractice

Our brains require a steady and sufficient flow of oxygen to perform numerous neurological functions. If the supply of oxygen to the brain is diminished or interrupted, even for a brief period, catastrophic injuries can follow. Brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation can lead to permanent cognitive, physical, and psychological harm. If the flow of oxygen is not promptly restored, brain death may follow. Unfortunately, and all too frequently, patients undergoing diagnostic and surgical procedures and infants during labor and delivery suffer brain damage because of mistakes made by doctors, anesthesiologists, and other health care professionals.

Determined Advocacy for Families Facing Unimaginable Burdens

When medical malpractice leads to brain injuries, the losses faced by victims and their families can be devastating.

At Sommers Schwartz, we understand the pain and shock that families experience when an act of medical malpractice causes a severe brain injury. We have seen first-hand the day-to-day and long-term difficulties victims face, and we have heard the stories of heartbreak and loss from individuals who must move forward with overwhelming financial, emotional, and practical burdens. 

That is why we are so committed to getting our clients the maximum compensation available for brain damage caused by a medical mistake. Our determination, skilled advocacy, and vast experience are the reasons we have a long track record of success and have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for medical malpractice victims and their families.

Medical Errors Can Cause Brain Damage

Medical errors resulting in brain damage may be due to the failure to ensure adequate perfusion of blood and oxygen to the brain during medical procedures. Failing to diagnose and treat brain injuries in a timely manner may also be a basis for a malpractice claim.

Various terms describe blood flow and oxygen deprivation issues: 

• Ischemia – insufficient blood flow to the brain
• Hypotension – low blood pressure
• Acidosis – excessive acidity of the blood
• Hypercapnia – excessive carbon dioxide levels in the blood
• Hypoxia – lack of oxygen to the brain
• Anoxia – no oxygen to the brain

Brain damage can start within minutes after an interruption of the brain’s oxygen supply. Deprivation of oxygen and blood to the brain can cause seizures, coma, or brain death.

Several types of medical mistakes can cause oxygen deprivation and associated brain damage, including:

• Medication mistakes or overdoses
• Surgical errors
• Anesthesia mistakes
• Failure to diagnose and treat stroke, heart attack, or aneurysm
• Failure to treat respiratory distress or breathing problems
• Improper monitoring and observation during surgery
• Excessive bleeding caused by medical mistakes
• Failure to accurately monitor and manage low blood pressure
• Failure to properly monitor and address low blood sugar
• Failure to timely diagnose and treat brain tumors
• Failure to timely diagnose and treat meningitis

Different healthcare professionals may be liable for these failures and errors, including surgeons, neurologists, anesthesiologists, radiologists, nurses, and lab technicians.

Infant Brain Damage Caused by Medical Malpractice

Pregnancy, labor, and delivery always contain some degree of risk. One of the most common dangers to the life of a newborn is oxygen deprivation. Anoxia is the medical term for a complete lack of oxygen, while hypoxia refers to an insufficient supply of oxygen. 

When there is a problem with the delivery of oxygen to the baby’s brain, brain cells will start to die within minutes. After only five minutes without oxygen, permanent anoxic brain injuries leading to life-long developmental disabilities, cognitive challenges, and physical limitations are likely.

Another consequence of oxygen deprivation in newborns is Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). This condition can cause cerebral palsy, developmental problems, learning disabilities, impaired hearing, partial or total blindness, epilepsy, and even death. 

Unquestionably, some instances of infant brain damage are not the result of any mistakes by physicians or delivery room staff. However, many brain injuries in newborns are caused by the failure of medical professionals to detect and immediately treat an at-risk pregnancy during the birthing process. Common errors by doctors and delivery room personnel that can lead to infant brain damage, include:

• Failure to recognize and address fetal distress 
• Failure to recognize and respond to preeclampsia
• Misuse of forceps
• Misuse of a vacuum extractor
• Failure to treat meningitis
• Fetal heart rate monitoring errors
• Failure to address prolonged labor
• Labor induction and Pitocin errors
• Failure to prevent and resolve neonatal and postnatal infections
• Deciding not to conduct an emergency C-section
• Improper prescription or administration of medication 

Sommers Schwartz Michigan Brain Injury Lawyers

If you or your loved one is living with the aftermath of a brain injury, or if your newborn child suffered brain damage during labor or delivery, please contact the experienced and knowledgeable attorneys at Sommers Schwartz. We will use our skill, experience, and commitment to recover compensation for all of your losses, including lost wages, loss of the enjoyment of everyday life, mental stress, pain and suffering, loss of future income, permanent disability, and medical bills.

Contact us today at (800) 783-0989 to arrange for your free consultation.