Birth Injuries

Birth injuries most commonly occur when the doctor or another medical provider deviates from standard procedure or fails to recognize potential danger to the child or mother during the delivery process. Medical professionals are to follow strict regulations in monitoring vital signs and taking all necessary steps and precautions to help prevent danger and illness during birth. When medical professionals deviate from the standard of care, the types of birth injuries which can result can be overwhelming and life-altering, both for families and the children who suffer from them. Moreover, the long-term medical costs associated with treatment and care is astronomical. If a medical professional or facility breached their duty of care during the birth process, a claim should be filed against them to address the damages.

Types of Birth Trauma

The consequences that result from this type of negligence can be devastating and severely harm both the mother and her child. Birth injuries can manifest themselves in a variety of ways, including physical, developmental, and cognitive complications. Some of the most common types of birth injuries are listed below.

Erb’s palsy

This condition is caused by nerve damage in the arms, specifically, the C5-C6 nerves. The most common cause of this type of injury is difficult labor that results in the baby’s shoulder not being able to pass through without injury (dystocia). While some infants recover on their own, others need surgery.

Cerebral palsy

This condition affects the motor functions and development of infants who are injured during birth. This is a type of brain injury. There are three major types: spastic, ataxic and athetoid. This condition is not one that worsens over time, but additional surgery may be needed as bones grow and become established. Children born with cerebral palsy are often heavily dependent on parents and caretakers for everyday needs.

Brain damage

One of the most common ways that infants are born with brain damage is by way of asphyxiation. Injuries during the delivery process occur in just over one percent of cesarean section births.

Umbilical cord compression

This occurs when blood flow to the unborn child is blocked by an obstruction or pressure in the umbilical cord. Sometimes, the umbilical cord can become compressed on its own. This happens in about ten percent of all deliveries. In some severe cases, an emergency cesarean section may be required.

Brachial Plexus

The brachial plexus is actually a name for a group of nerves located along the spinal cord. These nerves are connected to the shoulders, arms and hands. An injury to this group of nerves during childbirth can necessitate prolonged physical therapy and surgery in some severe cases.

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

This is a condition in which the brain is not able to get the oxygen that it needs. Most commonly, this injury occurs at birth and can actually be fatal. Some causes can be: difficult childbirth, blocked blood vessel, umbilical cord strangulation, complications from anesthesia and more.

Please call our firm today at (480) 566-9445 or use the “Quick Contact” form to the right so that we can help you start on the best course of action for your family. Our team is prepared to review your case and help you take the legal actions needed to hold the responsible parties accountable.

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