Birth Injuries

There are several types of birth injuries, some of which may occur without the fault of any medical personnel. These may result from the birth canal being too small, the fetus being too large, or the fetus lying in an abnormal position in the uterus before birth.

These problems should usually be assessed via ultrasound and other techniques before birth. If not discovered before it is too late, they may involve negligence. Understanding these potential risks allows parents to prepare and seek prompt medical attention, which may minimize or prevent injuries. Awareness of medical standards can help identify when protocols are not followed and serve as foundational knowledge when pursuing legal action.

When a medical mistake contributes to a birth injury, the family can pursue financial recovery through a birth injury lawsuit. Taking legal steps can be critical in ensuring that the family is secure in the face of long-term challenges that might require medical, educational, or adaptive aids for the child as they grow.

Our birth injury lawyers have handled all types of cases, which include:

• Cerebral Palsy – caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain or trauma to the head of the baby, this incurable condition seriously affects the child’s ability to control movements and will often result in other medical conditions
• Erb’s Palsy – the result of stretching or tearing of the nerves that supply the child’s shoulder and arm
• Nerve Damage – forceps can injure the facial nerve, resulting in facial paralysis; injuries to the diaphragm nerve can leave a baby with difficulty breathing
• Perinatal Asphyxia – too little blood flowing to the fetus or lack of oxygen in the blood can cause permanent signs of neurologic damage, which can range from mild learning disorders and delayed development to cerebral palsy
• Shoulder Dystocia – Occurring from 0.5% to 1.5% of deliveries. This complication happens once the baby’s head has been delivered, yet one of the infant’s shoulders becomes trapped behind the mother’s public bone. If the medical staff doesn’t act quickly, then permanent brain damage or even death may result.
• Developmental Delays – Permanent and long-lasting neurological damage is often caused by a reduced blood flow or lack of oxygen to the brain, resulting in developmental delays, learning disorders, and more.