When people think of medical malpractice, they understandably tend to imagine adults suffering from surgical errors or misdiagnosed illnesses. After all, medical errors are a leading cause of death among adults. But children are just as vulnerable—sometimes even more so—when it comes to medical negligence.
Pediatric medical malpractice can happen in many ways, ranging from birth injuries to errors in diagnosing childhood conditions. During childbirth, a failure to respond to fetal distress, misuse of delivery tools or delays in performing a necessary cesarean section can lead to lifelong consequences such as cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries or developmental delays. These early injuries can result in years of medical care, therapy and emotional strain for both the child and their family.
Outside of delivery rooms, medical malpractice can occur throughout a child’s life. Doctors may misdiagnose or delay the diagnosis of serious conditions like meningitis, appendicitis or even cancer. Because children often cannot articulate their own symptoms clearly, it is often particularly important that healthcare professionals conduct thorough evaluations. When warning signs are missed or brushed off as minor, outcomes can be life-altering.
Medication errors are another common concern. Pediatric patients require dosages tailored to their age and weight, making precision necessary. An overdose or underdose can cause serious harm, and can be exacerbated by the fact that a child’s body is still developing in fundamental ways.
Malpractice can also involve negligent follow-up care or surgical errors. A missed infection after surgery, an object left inside the body or a lack of proper monitoring during recovery can result in severe consequences. These aren’t just medical mistakes—they’re generally preventable incidents that can profoundly affect a child’s future.
What can parents do?
Parents may feel powerless when faced with a doctor’s authority and/or a hospital’s resources in the wake of medical negligence, but they do have rights. If you suspect that your child was harmed due to medical negligence, it’s important to speak with a knowledgeable legal team experienced in malpractice cases. Seeking legal guidance can help you investigate what happened, determine whether malpractice occurred and pursue compensation to support your child’s recovery and care.
Children depend on adults to protect them—and that includes holding medical providers accountable when they fail in their duty. A malpractice claim is not about blame for its own sake. It’s about working to ensure that a child receives the care and support they need to move forward, and about preventing similar harm to others in the future.