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Birth injury, youclaim.co.uk

Slow diagnosis of hip dysplasia may need birth injury claim solicitor help

In the UK, one or two babies in every hundred are born with a hip problem, which, if it does not spontaneously recover soon after birth, is termed dysplasia. Slow diagnosis of the condition is often a reason for parents to consult a birth injury claim solicitor.

The longer the delay in making a diagnosis and commencing treatment, the more likely it is that this abnormal development of the thigh bone and pelvic socket will cause ongoing problems to the child and perhaps continuing into adulthood.

There are a variety of causes of developmental dysplasia:


  • Breech birth or breech position near end of pregnancy

  • Family history of hip problems or double jointedness

  • Lack of fluid surrounding the baby in the womb (oligohydramnios)

  • Increase in maternal hormones before delivery may make the susceptible baby's hip more likely to displace at birth

  • Wrapping a baby's legs too tightly after birth

  • Girls are more often affected than boys, particularly the first born

  • Hip problems are more common in babies who have mild foot deformities or tightness in the neck

Both when these indicators are present and in all other cases, doctors, nurses and midwives should regularly check an infant's hip movement, even if the initial post-natal check seems normal.

When a diagnosis of dysplasia is made, treatments are available, depending on the severity of the condition, which usually involve lightweight splints worn by the baby until the problem resolves.

The older the child is before a hip problem is recognised, the more likelihood there is of surgery being needed to ease the problem.

Medical negligence cases can be brought by parents on behalf of the child if they feel neglect in diagnosing dysplasia has worsened the outcome for recovery or that treatment was insufficient or inadequately carried out. If proved, compensation will be payable.

Birth injury claim solicitor for hip dysplasia

When a child is born with an identifiable medical problem, the parents will be upset but rely upon the skills of health professionals to do their best to help the baby so a delayed diagnosis can be a particular blow, especially if it means a potential disability for the infant.

YouClaim has a team of birth injury claim solicitors who can help resolve medical negligence misdiagnosis cases involving new-born babies, older children and mothers whose care has been inadequate or created a risk of harm.

With their sympathetic yet professional approach, they can be relied on to act in the best interests of their clients and achieve the highest possible settlement of damages,

To contact a birth injury claim solicitor at YouClaim, start webchat, complete the inquiry form on this page with brief details and we'll get back to you or call us on 0800 10 757 95

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