Statistically, nearly 7 of every 1,000 births nationwide results in injury to the child. Unfortunately, such was the case for Ben Harman, who was born 13 years ago at Kent Hospital in England. His particular birth injury was caused by the doctors and nurses failing to check his blood sugar levels at birth, despite the clear warning signs that required that check. What’s worse? The hospital did not explain the child’s condition to his parents until four years later.
Birth injuries have become more common over the years, as doctors and hospital staff have failed to provide the necessary attention to their patients. The most common birth injuries are Cerebral Palsy, Erb’s Palsy, Hypoxia, Brachial Plexus, Asphyxia, Preeclampsia, and Hydrocephalus. These injuries could be prevented if the doctor and hospital simply pay attention to warning signs and take the necessary preventative measures.
Ben was born underweight and “floppy.” The hospital staff did not perform any blood glucose tests until two days later when his condition further deteriorated. Once the evidence came to light, and the hospital was backed into a corner, they agreed to pay a multi-million dollar settlement to compensate Ben for his lifelong, devastating injuries.
For more information on birth injuries, please visit our birth injury webpage.
