Birth Injuries

The birth of a child should be a joyful occasion, yet experts estimate that 3 to5 babies in 1,000 are injured during labor and delivery. While some injuries are unpreventable, improper medical care can play a role in certain types of injuries.

Birth injuries vary dramatically, from temporary problems that can be resolved during a short hospital stay to long-term medical conditions such as Cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy and others. Medical providers are trained to recognize the risk factors and warning signs for harm during labor and delivery – but when those signs aren’t noticed quickly enough, serious damage can occur. Some of the most frequent types of birth injuries include:

• Cerebral palsy – a condition in which brain damage affects body movement and muscle coordination. Some cases of cerebral palsy occur despite the best of care, but others are caused by inappropriate or negligent actions during delivery.
   
• Erb’s palsy – temporary or permanent loss of mobility in the hand, finger or arm. Erb’s palsy typically occurs after difficult deliveries in which forceps or vacuum are used to remove the infant from the birth canal. These instruments are often vital to save the life of an infant, but not all physicians are properly trained in their use, and injuries can result.
   
• Klumpke’s palsy – a condition causing paralysis of the hand and wrist.
   
• Torticollis – a condition in which the baby’s head and neck tilt to one side.
   
• Shoulder dystocia – the baby’s shoulder is obstructed from exiting the birth canal, sometimes resulting in immediate injury or injury stemming from the use of forceps or vacuum.
   
• Oxygen deprivation – the infant does not receive adequate oxygen during labor, delivery or immediately after birth.

When a child suffers irreparable harm during the birth process due to medical error or negligence, you may have a birth injury medical malpractice case. Legal action cannot heal the injury or loss of a child, but financial compensation can help ensure the best medical treatment and hold negligent parties responsible.

If your child’s life has been impacted by a preventable birth injury, you deserve to know what happened and who is to blame – and you have a legal right to hold the responsible parties accountable. A medical malpractice attorney with experience in birth injury claims can help evaluate the circumstances of your infant’s injury and determine whether you have a case. Your birth injury lawyer should work with accredited medical experts to evaluate whether healthcare standards were met, and provide you with qualified opinions on any long-term health issues. Finally, your birth injury attorney should prepare an effective case strategy designed to meet the needs of your family.

If you believe you may have a birth injury claim, contact an experienced medical malpractice lawyer. Most malpractice law firms provide FREE initial case reviews, but you have a limited time to file a lawsuit, so prompt legal action is important.

Contact a birth injury attorney today.