What are the Most Prevalent Birth Injuries?

Having a baby is one of the most important moments in a person’s life. Unfortunately, although the United States has advanced western medicine, childbirth is still dangerous for both the mother and child. While giving birth, there are certain situations that can take place that can cause injuries for the baby. These injuries require immediate medical attention and are often the result of negligence. If your child experienced an injury at childbirth or died during childbirth, you might be entitled to compensation for medical malpractice.

Cerebral Palsy

Approximately 8,000 babies are diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy each year. Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a medical condition that affects a person’s movement, muscle tone, and posture. It’s caused by a brain injury before, during, or after birth. Lack of oxygen during birth is one of the most common reasons for CP. Although doctors can identify a baby with CP moments after birth, some cases take months to diagnose. There is no cure for CP, although some symptoms can be treated with extensive therapies.

Cephalohematoma

Difficult births often require the use of forceps to retrieve the baby from the birth canal. Forceps pose many dangers when used during childbirth, including brain damage. When a doctor pulls too hard or applies too much force while using forceps, it often causes bleeding under the skull known as cephalohematoma. Such injuries typically clear up within the first few months of a child’s life. In rare cases, however, there is long-term damage.

Brachial Plexus

The human body is made up of millions of nerves that conduct movement. During childbirth, if a baby’s body is stretched or pulled too hard it can cause damage to the nerves that run from the spine to the rest of the upper body. Such an injury can result in temporary or long-term loss of use or feeling in a baby’s limbs. In the most serious cases, babies are completely paralyzed.

Facial Paralysis

Babies stuck in the birth canal for a prolonged period of time often experience an abundance of pressure on their faces. Pressure can also be caused as the result of the use of forceps or a vacuum. Facial paralysis can cause a baby to be unable to move an entire side of their face or open or close their eye or both of their eyes. Such injuries are extremely serious because they can impair a child’s ability to see and eat, and it affects their physical appearance.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries are extremely serious and often devastating injuries. There are numerous reasons why spinal cord injuries occur during childbirth. The most common reason is the use of forceps or a vacuum. Spinal cord injuries can cause long-term damage such as paralysis, loss of use of limbs, brain damage, and numbness. When a spinal cord injury occurs during childbirth it can take doctors an extended period of time to identify and diagnose it.

Trustworthy Attorneys to Handle Your Birth Injury Case

If your child experiences an injury during childbirth, you’re entitled to compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and more. You don’t have to go through this emotional or stressful process alone. You need a trusted medical malpractice attorney to guide you through your case. The Barnes Firm is a top source for legal representation. Our personal injury attorneys make your case a priority and will work tirelessly to win you the maximum settlement you deserve.

To schedule a consultation, call The Barnes Firm or fill out our online contact form today.

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Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

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