A birth injury is an injury sustained by a baby during the process of birth. Birth injuries can range from mild to severe and can occur to the baby’s head, spine, and limbs. Birth injuries can also occur to the baby’s internal organs.
Some common causes of birth injuries include:
- Difficult or premature labor
- Prolonged labor
- Use of forceps or a vacuum extractor
- Birth trauma
- Breech birth
- Umbilical cord prolapse
- Meconium aspiration
Most birth injuries are mild and cause only a temporary injury or disability. However, some birth injuries can be quite serious and lead to long-term health problems. In the most serious cases, birth injuries can lead to death.
A birth injury can be a devastating experience for a family. If your child has suffered a birth injury, it is important to speak with a birth injuries lawyer to learn about your legal options. A birth injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for your child’s injuries, which can help cover the costs of medical care and other expenses.
There are many types of birth injuries, and each one can cause unique and long-term damage. Some of the most common birth injuries include:
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is one of the most common birth injuries, affecting approximately 1 in 500 children. It is a neurological disorder caused by damage to the brain before, during, or after birth. This damage can lead to a wide range of physical and intellectual disabilities.
Brain Damage
Brain damage is a birth injury that can occur when the baby’s head and brain are squeezed during birth. This can cause the brain to be damaged by lack of oxygen or by being shaken. Brain damage can also occur if the baby’s head is hit against the mother’s pelvis or if the umbilical cord is wrapped around the baby’s neck.
Erb’s Palsy
Erb’s palsy is a birth injury that can occur when the baby’s shoulder becomes trapped during delivery. This can cause the nerves in the baby’s shoulder and neck to be stretched or damaged. Erb’s palsy can cause the baby to have limited movement or nerve damage in the shoulder and arm.
Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia is a birth injury that can occur when the baby’s shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother’s pubic bone. This can happen when the baby is too large to pass through the birth canal, or when the baby’s position in the womb puts his or her shoulder in an obstructed position.
Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury can occur during birth when the baby’s head and neck are extended beyond the limits of the birth canal. This can cause the spinal cord to stretch and tear. The baby can also sustain a spinal cord injury if the doctor or nurse uses excessive force to pull the baby out of the birth canal.
Birth Asphyxia
Birth asphyxia is a condition that can occur when a baby’s lungs don’t get enough oxygen before, during, or after birth. This can cause the baby to have trouble breathing, leading to oxygen deprivation and possible brain damage. Birth asphyxia is a serious medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.
Each of these injuries can require extensive medical treatment and care. In some cases, the child may need lifelong care. The expenses associated with this care can be overwhelming for a family. A birth injury lawyer can help you seek the financial assistance you need to provide your child with the best possible care.
If your child has suffered a birth injury, contact a birth injury lawyer today. Your lawyer can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the legal process.