Brain Injuries Caused by Medical Malpractice

Brain injuries vary widely in severity, and range from mild injuries that create temporary problems, to serious injuries that have lifelong implications.

Depending on the severity, brain injuries may cause memory loss, cognitive difficulties, poor concentration, and in serious cases, permanent brain damage or physical disability. Brain injuries are many times the result of accidents such as road accidents or work-related accidents. However, in some cases, a brain injury may be a result of a doctor’s negligence. There are several medical errors that can lead to brain injuries.

How Medical Negligence May Cause Brain Injuries

Missouri medical malpractice attorneys tell us that cases of brain injuries caused by medical negligence are not uncommon. They have come across cases where children and adults have suffered brain injuries during the course of surgery, medical treatment, or childbirth. It is important that patients who suffer brain injuries due to the negligence of a doctor should understand that they have the right to claim compensation from the negligent doctor for all the medical expenses, loss of wages, and pain and suffering. There are several ways in which the doctor’s negligence may cause a brain injury.

Brain Injuries Caused During Surgery

If the patient is undergoing a brain surgery, then there are chances that some part of the brain may become injured or damaged. Brain injury can also occur when surgery is being performed on some other part of the body under anesthesia, and the oxygen supply to the brain is restricted due to a medical condition or heart attack.

Overdose of Medication

Brain damage may result if the doctor negligently prescribes an overdose of medication. Some medicines when taken in excess can cause swelling in the brain that results in lifelong brain damage.

Asphyxiation During Childbirth

A common cause of brain injury in infants is asphyxiation during childbirth. Lack of oxygen to the brain during childbirth can cause cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy refers to a group of neurological disorders that effects muscle coordination and body movement. It may cause difficulty controlling muscles, writing, walking, eating, and talking. It may also cause hearing impairment and epilepsy.

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Treatment

Some health conditions require immediate medical attention, or a delay in treatment can lead to brain damage. If conditions such as brain tumor, stroke, brain hemorrhage, meningitis, epilepsy, or encephalitis are left untreated for a long time, they may cause severe brain damage.

Claiming compensation for something as serious as a brain injury is not as easy as claiming compensation for personal injury. These cases are complicated from both a medical and legal standpoint. Consult with Zevan and Davidson Law Firm at (314) 588-7200. We will help you decide what damages you can claim for the medical negligence, and help ensure that you receive the maximum possible compensation in a timely and hassle free manner.

Photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org via Google