Childbirth is one of the most exciting moments in a person’s life. Several babies are born with fatal birth injuries every year. In most cases, these injuries are unavoidable. According to a recent study, around 30% of birth injuries are preventable. In the United States, the leading cause of birth injuries is medical negligence. Many birth injuries are caused by mistakes on the part of healthcare professionals. Errors by medical professionals can lead to serious birth injuries such as brachial plexus injuries, perinatal asphyxia, cerebral palsy, facial paralysis, and spinal cord injuries. Choosing one of the professional lawyers or attorneys will help you win the settlement you deserve for your birth injury case.
Prenatal Issues That Can Lead to a Birth Injury
Prenatal Complications for the Mother:
- Cervical cerclage to prevent premature birth
- Gestational diabetes
- Incompetent cervix
- Medication errors
- Mismanaged pregnancy infections
- Oligohydramnios
- Placental Abruption
- Post-term pregnancy
- Premature water break
- Preeclampsia
- Stroke during the time of delivery
- Uteroplacental insufficiency
- UTIs
- Macrosomia
Prenatal Complications for the Baby:
- Breech birth
- Chorioamnionitis infections
- Encephalitis
- Intrauterine growth restriction
- Fetal stroke
- Hydrocephalus
- Microcephaly
- Neonatal herpes encephalitis and hypoglycemia
- Premature birth
- Short umbilical cord
- Umbilical cord prolapse
Common Types of Birth Injuries
Brachial Palsy Injuries
These birth injuries involve damage to the bundle of nerves that are responsible to move the arms and hands. The result of this injury can be permanent or temporary. Shoulder dystocia is a common cause of brachial plexus injuries. Brachial palsy birth injuries include Erb’s palsy and Klumpke’s palsy. Electrical-type shocks and a burning sensation down the arm is also common.
Brain Injuries
Oxygen deprivation leads to significant birth injuries in babies. Oxygen deprivation can happen when a medical professional fails to monitor a baby immediately after birth. Umbilical cord issues, blocked airways or placental disruption are common causes of oxygen deprivation. This leads to serious neurological damage i.e. intellectual disabilities and long-term physical problems.
Brain Injuries
Oxygen deprivation leads to serious birth injuries in infants. This happens when a healthcare professional fails to monitor a baby immediately after birth. Umbilical cord issues, blocked airways or placental disruption are common causes of oxygen deprivation. This leads to serious neurological damage i.e. intellectual disabilities and long-term physical problems.
Facial Paralysis
During delivery, a baby’s face may have a lot of pressure on it, leading to damage to the facial nerve. This type of birth injury occurs when doctors use forceps or a vacuum in case of a difficult delivery. Facial paralysis in infants results in the inability to control the facial muscles on the face. Mild facial paralysis can clear up within a few weeks, but serious injuries can lead to total paralysis of the face.
Bone Fractures
Complicated deliveries can lead to bone fractures in babies. A fracture to the collar bone is the most common type of fracture during delivery. Most of the bone fractures will heal immediately after treatment and the baby will be completely fine.
If your newborn baby has suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence, it is advisable to talk to an experienced Pittsburgh Birth Injury Lawyer or attorney.
He/she will provide legal support and help you get the maximum compensation for your claim.