Birth Injury Law Firm
When a medical professional fails to follow a reasonable standard of care, they may be held liable when their negligence results in a birth injury. At Parker Waichman LLP, we know how devastating and overwhelming the aftermath of a birth injury incident can be and we want to help. Our experienced birth injury lawyers understand the importance of recovering fair compensation after this type of unfortunate event and can help you recover the justice you and your child deserve for an injury that was caused by the negligence of another.
What Birth Injuries Are Caused By Medical Malpractice?
A healthcare professional must prevent harm to a patient, including a newborn child. Some medical professionals will fail to meet this standard of care and will put infants at risk of life-changing and permanent injuries.
Common types of birth injuries can include:
Brachial Plexus
Brachial plexus is a condition that involves the stretching of the nerves around the shoulder. The brachial plexus can result in weakness in the arm or paralysis.
Brain Injuries
A brain injury can cause mild to severe brain damage, resulting in developmental delays or intellectual disabilities. If a physician fails to treat a brain injury promptly or causes the injury, they can be held liable.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is one of the most well-known birth injuries. Cerebral palsy is a chronic condition that has no cure. While the cause of cerebral palsy is not always due to medical malpractice, if negligence did cause an infant to sustain this serious injury, steps must be taken to protect the child.
Erb’s Palsy
This birth injury is another form of brachial plexus and it affects the shoulder. Erb’s palsy is often sustained during strenuous labor where excessive force moves the shoulder past its normal functioning point.
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
HIE is a condition in which the reduced flow of blood and oxygen results in severe brain damage. Common causes of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy include birthing trauma and uterine rupture.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury is one of the most catastrophic forms of birth trauma that can occur. A spinal cord injury can result in paralysis or the body’s inability to regulate itself.
What Are Common Causes of Birth Injuries?
Complications during labor are one of the major causes of birth injuries. However, with proper management, most birth injuries can be prevented.
Other causes of birth injuries include:
- Trauma during delivery
- Improper treatment and medication
- Improper monitoring
- Failure to detect fetal distress
- Oxygen deprivation due to issues that occurred with the infant’s blood supply through the umbilical cord or placenta
- The infant remaining in the birth canal for too long
- Failure to identify and treat problems during pregnancy
- Delayed C-section
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors
- Placental abruption
- Preeclampsia
- Peripheral nerve injuries
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