Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus, sometimes referred to as water on the brain, places pressure on the skull, which in turn can cause damage to the brain. Infants with hydrocephalus-related brain injuries may experience developmental disabilities, including visual impairment, coordination issues, cognitive and emotional challenges, bladder control problems, and delayed growth. Hydrocephalus can be caused by numerous factors, one of which is medical malpractice. If your child developed hydrocephalus due to the negligence of a treatment provider, you may be able to seek compensation, and you should contact an attorney to discuss your rights. The trusted Baltimore birth injury attorneys of Arfaa Law Group can evaluate your case and advise you of the best course of action for protecting your interests.

Hydrocephalus is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain's ventricles. Cerebrospinal fluid surrounds the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and support.

Hydrocephalus in infants can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from congenital factors like genetic abnormalities and neural tube defects to complications during pregnancy such as infections or hemorrhages. Further, birth trauma or medical errors during prenatal care, labor, or delivery can contribute to the development of hydrocephalus in infants. These errors may include failure to diagnose and treat infections during pregnancy, improper management of fetal distress during labor, or delayed treatment of complications arising during childbirth, all of which can result in obstructed cerebrospinal fluid flow or hemorrhaging, causing hydrocephalus.

In infants, hydrocephalus manifests through symptoms such as rapid head growth, bulging fontanelles, irritability, vomiting, and downward deviation of the eyes. Treatment typically involves surgical intervention to alleviate cerebrospinal fluid buildup and reduce brain pressure. Shunt placement or surgery to remove obstructions or tumors causing hydrocephalus may be necessary. Close monitoring and supportive care are crucial in addressing developmental delays and ensuring optimal functioning and quality of life.

Negligent medical care may contribute to hydrocephalus development and be deemed medical malpractice. As such, people harmed by such errors may be able to recover damages in civil lawsuits.

A plaintiff pursuing medical malpractice claims will generally proceed under a theory of negligence. In Maryland, to prove a defendant’s negligence, the plaintiff has to show that the defendant owed them a duty, and that the defendant breached the duty owed. The duty a doctor owes a patient, generally, is to treat them in a manner that complies with the standard of care. The standard of care is the care that a competent practitioner in the same specialty would offer in a similar scenario. Any behavior that departs from what is expected under the standard of care would be considered a breach. In all but the clearest of cases, testimony from a medical expert is needed to establish the standard of care and the ways in which the defendant breached the standard.

The plaintiff then needs to show that they suffered measurable damages and demonstrate causation, which means they must connect those damages to their harm; this often requires expert testimony as well.

Damages awarded in cases arising out of birth injuries typically compensate the plaintiffs for their economic and non-economic harm. Economic harm consists of cost of medical care, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses, while non-economic harm usually refers to physical and emotional pain and suffering and mental trauma.

Hydrocephalus is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment, and if it is caused by a doctor’s carelessness, it may be grounds for pursuing medical malpractice claims. If your child has hydrocephalus, you should talk to an attorney about your options as soon as possible. The capable Baltimore birth injury lawyers of Arfaa Law Group understand the catastrophic impact harm caused by medical mistakes can have on families, and if we represent you, we will advocate zealously in your favor. Our office is located in Baltimore, and we regularly aid parties in the pursuit of damages in birth injury lawsuits throughout the city. You can contact us through our form online or at 410-889-1850 to arrange a conference.