Birth injuries can be devastating for families, often leading to long-term medical challenges for the child and emotional strain for the parents. Understanding the common types of birth injuries and how they occur can help families recognize when medical negligence may have been a factor.

Types of Common Birth Injuries

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy often results from oxygen deprivation during birth. This condition can lead to motor skill impairments, muscle weakness, and developmental delays.

Brachial Plexus Injuries

This injury affects the nerves responsible for arm and hand movement, commonly occurring when excessive force is used during delivery.

Bone Fractures

Broken bones, particularly in the clavicle, can occur during complicated deliveries, especially if improper techniques are used.

Facial Nerve Damage

Excessive pressure on the baby’s face during delivery can result in facial paralysis or nerve damage.

Perinatal Asphyxia

A lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain during labor or delivery can lead to severe brain injuries, developmental delays, or even death.

How Medical Negligence Plays a Role

Birth injuries can happen naturally, but some are preventable and occur due to medical negligence. Examples include:

Failure to Monitor: Inadequate monitoring of the baby’s heart rate or signs of fetal distress.

Improper Use of Delivery Tools: Misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors.

Delayed C-Section: Failing to perform an emergency C-section when necessary.

Inadequate Prenatal Care: Missing signs of potential complications during pregnancy.

Recognizing the Signs of Medical Malpractice

Parents may not immediately realize that medical negligence contributed to a birth injury. Signs to look for include:

Unexpected developmental delays.

Injuries requiring immediate medical intervention.

Failure of medical staff to explain complications adequately.

Seeking Legal Help for Birth Injuries

If a birth injury has affected your family, consulting with an experienced birth injury lawyer can help determine whether medical malpractice was involved. Legal professionals can review medical records, consult experts, and guide families through the process of seeking compensation.

Take the first step toward justice by reaching out to Frischman & Rizza. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your case with compassionate and experienced birth injury attorneys who will fight for your family’s rights.