Birth Injuries

The birth of your new family member should be a wondrous occasion. However, when your baby is born with an injury, joy quickly turns to concern.

During the labor and delivery process, complications can occur which result in a birth injury to the child. Many of these injuries are preventable and only occur because of medical errors. The decisions and actions of OB/GYNs and other physicians and hospital nursing staff during delivery can adversely affect the baby. These errors can cause lifelong conditions, requiring compensation to help the child receive the medical treatment and support they would need to live as close to a normal life as possible. Some common avoidable birth injuries include:

• Caput Succedaneum
• Cephalohematoma
• Cerebral Palsy
• Erb’s Palsy/Brachial Plexus Palsy
• Facial paralysis
• Fetal laceration during a cesarean section
• Forceps extraction, lacerations, and bruising
• Fractures
• Hydrocephalus
• Mental retardation
• Shoulder dystocia
• Subconjunctival hemorrhage
• Vacuum extraction injuries

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is an oxygen deprivation injury that results when the infant’s supply of oxygen to the brain is reduced. The doctor has a responsibility to monitor the child during delivery to ensure that he or she is properly oxygenated, and to take immediate action to correct any potential problems.

Erb’s/Brachial Plexus Palsy

Erb’s/Brachial Plexus Palsy is a mechanical trauma injury to the nerves controlling the upper arm and shoulder. This injury may be caused by a doctor using too much force on the child’s head during delivery or by misjudging the baby’s weight and not taking proper precautions. Some children are left with a permanent nerve injury to their shoulder and arm. Many times, this injury is preventable when the doctor follows acceptable procedures that can be used to deliver the child without permanent nerve damage.

If you suspect that you or a loved one had been a victim of medical malpractice or if you have any questions, please call our toll-free number at 1 (888) 878-3342 today.