Birth Injuries

Birth injuries occur when excessive pressure or stress causes an infant to suffer trauma during the birthing process. While less than 2 percent of newborns die from significant birth injuries each year in the U.S., about seven out of every 1,000 live births experiences traumatic birth injury.

Some of the most serious birth injuries include:

• Facial paralysis, in which nerve damage to the face affects facial expressions and sensations
• Erb's palsy (also known as brachial plexus injury), impaired movement and/or feeling in the arm(s) due to a nerve-related birth injury
• Cerebral palsy, in which brain damage causes impairment in thought, speech, movement and coordination

Of these, cerebral palsy is the most debilitating, as there is currently no cure for this condition. Each year, about 10,000 infants in the U.S. develop cerebral palsy.

Causes of Birth Injuries: Medical Malpractice

While some birth injuries may be unavoidable, occasionally, healthcare professionals make mistakes during the delivery process that result in serious birth injuries.

Medical malpractice known to cause birth injuries includes failing to promptly diagnose and appropriately treat:

• an infant's lack of oxygen
• changes in fetal heart rate
• exposure to toxins (such as lead or mercury)
• newborn meningitis and/or jaundice
• maternal infections (including syphilis, measles or chicken pox)
• maternal signs of distress (such as high blood pressure, blood poisoning or elevated heart rates)
• prolapsed cord (a condition in which the umbilical cord wraps around a baby's neck and cuts off his air supply)
• seizures (in either the pregnant mother or the newborn)

Severe birth injuries can also occur when doctors and/or nurses:

• excessively use vacuum extraction during the delivery process
• fail to perform necessary C-sections when it's clear that vaginal birth will be complicated
• use forceps improperly

Lifetime Benefits for Injured Babies

Child birth is one of the most special times in a parent's life. Discovering that your infant has suffered a serious injury resulting in life-long trauma is devastating; add on the costly medical fees and long-term treatment programs that are likely required and it can seem overwhelming.

Doctors, nurses and all other healthcare providers have a responsibility to protecting our health. When they make mistakes, the effects can be devastating, resulting in life-long hardships. If you or a loved one has a child that was born with cerebral palsy or another birth injury and you suspect it was caused by a medical mistake, our affiliated attorneys can help you seek lifetime benefits that will ensure maximum quality of life for your child.

At Litigators, Incorporated, P.C., our affiliated attorneys are committed to helping families recover after suffering traumatic effects of birth injuries. For compassionate, yet aggressive representation, please contact our affiliated birth injury lawyers today. Call toll free (866) 251-0808 for help today.