Indianapolis Child Medical Malpractice Attorneys
Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects that occur when a baby is growing in the womb. Babies may be born with one or both of these birth defects present. There are many reasons why birth defects like these may occur. Genetics, medications, and other environmental factors may potentially cause cleft lip or cleft palate. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that each year approximately 2,650 babies are born with a cleft palate and approximately 4,440 babies are born with a cleft lip—with or without a cleft palate in the United States.
What is a cleft palate?
A cleft palate occurs when the roof of the mouth (palate) does not close when the baby is being formed in the womb. The size of the cleft can range from a specific area to the entire length of the roof of the mouth. This birth defect can have a significant impact on a child’s basic needs such as eating and communicating. Surgical procedures are often required to repair cleft palate.
Cleft palate surgery
The primary goal of cleft palate repair surgery is the development of normal speech, however, the repair surgery may also have an impact on the child’s self-esteem as the child compares his or her appearance to other children. A pediatric plastic or craniofacial surgeon can repair your child’s cleft palate using one of a few surgical techniques. Studies show that initial palate repair surgery near the age of 18 months is necessary for better speech outcomes for children born with this defect. The surgeon will need to take into consideration the type of cleft, width of the cleft, and length of the palate to determine the appropriate course of action to correct the cleft palate.
Failed cleft palate surgery
When a surgeon fails to advise a patient or their caregiver of the risks associated with a procedure or fails to obtain their consent to perform a procedure, the result may be medical malpractice. Cohen and Malad, LLP medical malpractice attorneys are investigating patient claims of failed cleft palate procedures performed by a pediatric plastic surgeon, Jason Blocksom, M.D., located in Indianapolis, Indiana. These claims involve the alleged failure of the surgeon to inform the parents that a palate lengthening procedure would be performed, including the risks involved with palate lengthening and repair surgery as well as the alleged failure to document the procedure on the patient’s medical record. Shortly after the surgery was performed the child’s palate split apart causing permanent disfigurement, extensive speech therapy, and requiring extensive reconstructive surgery. If you have questions or would like more information about these claims, please contact Greg Laker at Cohen & Malad, LLP.
Negligent performance of VPI surgeries
Investigation revealed a pediatric plastic surgeon was negligently performing a variety of surgeries on patients with Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), a common issue in children with cleft palate. The victimized patients underwent a barrage of procedures including post-pharyngeal flap, Z-plasty, and sphincter pharyngoplasty which very often failed resulting in the patient’s soft palate splitting open.
Indiana Child Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
Medical personnel are trained to use surgical procedures to improve the quality of life for their patients. When a physician or medical professional fails to properly perform a procedure or fails to inform a patient of the risks associated with a procedure the results can be catastrophic. If your child has suffered an injury as a result of a failed cleft palate surgery, contact us. Our experienced Indianapolis medical malpractice attorneys can discuss your Indiana medical malpractice claim with you and inform you of your legal rights and options. We have litigated medical malpractice cases for people who received treatment in South Bend, Indianapolis, Evansville, Anderson, Lafayette and all across the state of Indiana.
There is no fee for your initial consultation and we do not collect fees until your claim is paid. Cohen & Malad, LLP has earned a well-respected reputation as a tough litigation firm in the courtroom and during negotiations and can bring Power to Your Voice.