Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a painful condition in which the ball of the hip joint slips out of the socket. If a doctor observes that a fetus is at risk for developing hip dysplasia, they can take measures to try to prevent it, and if such measures are unsuccessful, there are treatment options available. If a physician neglects to mitigate risks or treat hip dysplasia, though, it can lead to unnecessary pain, which in some cases is debilitating. If your child has hip dysplasia, it may be the result of medical negligence, and you should speak to an attorney about your rights. The knowledgeable Baltimore birth injury attorneys of Arfaa Law Group are adept at demonstrating the fault of negligent providers, and if you engage our services, we can assess the facts of your case and advise you of your options for seeking the best legal outcome available.

Hip dysplasia is a condition characterized by abnormal development of the hip joint, which can lead to instability and potential dislocation of the hip. It can manifest as a shallow hip socket, loose ligaments, or improper formation of the hip joint in infants. While the exact causes of hip dysplasia are not always clear, several factors can contribute to its development, including genetic predisposition, breech positioning of the fetus in the womb, and low levels of amniotic fluid.

Management of hip dysplasia primarily involves early detection and treatment. Newborns should be routinely screened for hip dysplasia using physical exams and imaging techniques like ultrasound. Healthcare providers may fail to recognize signs of hip dysplasia during prenatal or newborn screenings, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Not all hip dysplasia is caused by the negligence of healthcare providers. When it is, however, the affected parties can often recover damages for their losses through medical malpractice claims.

In Maryland, a plaintiff seeking to establish the negligence of a defendant in a medical malpractice lawsuit must prove four elements: breach, duty, causation, and damages. Duty refers to the obligations a doctor has towards their patient, namely, to provide them treatment that comports with the relevant standard of care. The standard of care that applies is what a reasonable healthcare provider who practices in the same specialty as the defendant would do in a similar scenario.

Breach refers to any omission or act that is considered a deviation from the standard of care. For example, if the standard of care requires that a doctor perform a C-section in certain situations and the defendant failed to do so, it arguably is considered a breach. Causation is a connection between the defendant’s breach and the final element of negligence, damages. Damages, in turn, refer to actual losses the plaintiff suffered.

In the majority of medical malpractice cases, the plaintiff will need to hire a medical expert to explain the standard of care and opine regarding the ways in which the defendant breached the standard. Expert testimony is usually needed to prove causation and damages as well.

A plaintiff that proves a defendant is at fault in a medical malpractice case may be granted compensation for their financial losses, including the costs of medical care their child needed or will need in the future and out-of-pocket expenses. They may also be awarded damages for their pain, suffering, mental anguish, and other intangible losses.

Hip dysplasia can cause lifelong pain and loss of function and, in many instances, is the direct result of careless medical mistakes. If your child has hip dysplasia, it may be the result of medical malpractice, and you should meet with an attorney to evaluate your potential claims. The experienced Baltimore birth injury lawyers of Arfaa Law Group are dedicated to helping victims of medical negligence in the pursuit of justice, and if we represent you, we will advocate zealously on your behalf. Our office is located in Baltimore, and we frequently assist parties in birth injury lawsuits throughout the city. You can reach us through our form online or at 410-889-1850 to arrange a meeting.