Types of Spina Bifida Lawsuits
Spina bifida is one of the most severe birth injuries that can occur. The condition is characterized by the malformation of the spine. It can affect the spinal cord and the meninges (the fibrous membranes that surround and protect the spinal cord) or the meninges alone. Depending on the type and severity of spina bifida a child has, he or she can exhibit symptoms ranging from weakness in the legs to partial or complete paralysis of the lower body. In addition, children with spina bifida are highly vulnerable to spinal infections, including spinal meningitis and hydrocephalus.
In many cases, spina bifida can be diagnosed in utero, which gives families the opportunity to avail themselves of several possible options. Among these options is surgery, which is more likely to be effective when performed while the fetus is still in the womb. Another option is termination of the pregnancy in order to spare the fetus of having to be born with a serious birth defect.
Unfortunately, some doctors fail to diagnose, or sometimes misdiagnose, spina bifida in a timely fashion. If your child was born with spina bifida, and your doctor did not correctly diagnose the condition, you may be able to obtain compensation for the expenses you face - and will face in the future - as a result by filing a medical malpractice claim. The Utah spina bifida attorneys of Younker Hyde Macfarlane, PLLC can evaluate your potential case and advise you of your legal rights and options. When they entrust their cases to our medical malpractice attorneys, Utah families can expect no less than the most committed and tireless protection of their rights and best interests.
To arrange for an evaluation of your spina bifida case, please contact the Utah medical malpractice law firm of Younker Hyde Macfarlane, PLLC today.
Wrongful Birth
The phrase “wrongful birth” refers to cases in which expectant parents were not properly notified of birth defects, the risk of birth defects, or the genetic predisposition to conceiving a baby with birth defects in time either to avoid conception or to terminate pregnancy. Essentially, wrongful birth cases arise from parents being deprived of their right to prevent a baby with serious health issues or birth defects from being born. Such lawsuits are filed on behalf of children that, of course, could not decide for themselves whether it was preferable not to be born or to live with a birth defect.
If you, as a parent, feel that you were not given an opportunity to choose the fate of your baby that was born with spina bifida due to medical negligence, you have rights. In addition to providing assistance to families looking for a qualified cerebral palsy lawyer, Utah law firm Younker Hyde Macfarlane, PLLC provides exceptional representation to victims of spina bifida and their parents.
Misdiagnosis and Failure to Diagnose
Our Utah medical malpractice attorneys also expertly handle misdiagnosis and failure to diagnose claims. In cases of spina bifida, the earlier surgical intervention occurs, the more effective surgery is likely to be. If your doctor failed to diagnose spina bifida or diagnosed it as another condition, thereby preventing timely surgery from taking place, our attorneys can file a medical malpractice claim on your behalf.
For further information about spina bifida litigation, please call, email, or visit our Utah medical malpractice law firm today.