When the brain’s supply of oxygen is cut off, even for a short period, the results can be catastrophic. Brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation can cause permanent cognitive, physical, and psychological harm and ultimately be fatal if the supply of oxygen is not promptly restored. Unfortunately, both patients receiving medical care and infants during labor and delivery can suffer brain damage as a result of critical mistakes made by doctors, anesthesiologists and other healthcare professionals.

When medical malpractice results in brain damage, families face unimaginable loss. The person who once was may never fully return, and a baby’s future once imagined as full of hope and promise can become one of constant challenges and struggles. At The Brothers Law Firm in Houston, Texas we understand the pain and shock that follows the sudden and unexpected reality of having a loved one irreparably hurt while in the care of those entrusted with their health and well-being.

Our exclusive focus on medical malpractice and catastrophic injury cases provide our clients with the skilled advocacy that can get them the compensation and justice to help them move forward.

Medical Mistakes Which Can Cause Brain Damage

Catastrophic damage can start within minutes of the brain’s oxygen supply being cut. Brain cells begin to die in increasing numbers and continued lack of oxygen can cause seizures, coma and brain death.

Several kinds of medical mistakes can result in oxygen deprivation and associated brain damage, circumstances in a medical setting, including:

• Failure to prevent infections during surgery
• Medication mistakes or overdoses
• Surgical mistakes
• Anesthesia errors
• Failure to diagnose and treat heart attack, stroke, or aneurysms
• Failure to treat a patient in respiratory distress or with breathing problems

Infant Brain Damage Caused by Medical Malpractice

Many of the medical errors made during pregnancy, labor, and delivery involve injuries to the infant’s brain. When a fetus or newborn baby is deprived of oxygen even for a very brief period, life-long developmental disabilities, cognitive challenges, physical limitations, permanent brain damage, or death can follow

Perinatal asphyxia occurs when an inadequate supply of oxygen to the child’s brain causes significant injury to the child. Asphyxia is one of the top 10 causes of infant death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A baby’s brain cells are particularly susceptible to oxygen deprivation; cells begin to die within minutes of oxygen deprivation. After just five minutes without oxygen, permanent anoxic brain injuries or death are likely.

While some cases of infant brain damage are not the result of any errors by physicians or delivery room staff, many brain injuries are caused by their failure to detect and immediately treat an at-risk child or via negligence during the birthing process. One study concluded that human error is the most common cause of birth asphyxia.

The Brothers Law Firm: Brain Damage Attorneys

If you or a loved one has suffered brain damage that you suspect may be the result of medical malpractice, you can trust The Brothers Law Firm to help you recover the compensation and resources to ease your pain and help you and your family move forward. At our Houston brain damage law firm, we are uncompromising in our efforts to better the lives of our clients in Texas and throughout the United States and have the combination of skill, experience, and passion to accomplish that goal.  To arrange for your free initial consultation to discuss your medical malpractice brain damage claims or concerns, please contact us at 281-491-3635.