10 Most Common Types of Birth Injuries
We live in one of the most advanced nations in the world, yet birth injuries still occur. Many of these injuries are due to medical malpractice. When the doctor or assisting medical professionals fail to notice certain symptoms or pay attention to the procedure, the infant can end up getting hurt. Here are ten of the most common types of birth injuries.
1) Hemorrhages
Issues during the birthing process can lead to hemorrhaging, also known as a bleed in the brain or even in the eye, should a blood vessel burst. Even if they are treated immediately, your child could end up with brain damage from these bleeds.
2) Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is an incurable condition that causes weak muscles, poor motor skills, and additional learning disabilities. In many cases, it’s caused by fetal distress during birth, accompanied by a short period of time when the infant is forced to go without oxygen.
3) Oxygen Deprivation
Chronic seizures and cerebral palsy are two of the most common results of oxygen deprivation during the birthing process. Additional brain damage and physical issues can occur as well.
4) Brachial Plexus
This birth injury leads to nerve damage in the upper spine. Its characterized by problems properly moving the arms, hands, shoulders, and neck. In some cases, it causes permanent damage.
5) Perinatal Asphyxia
Trouble breathing that leads to a coma or seizures occurs when the infant is forced to go without oxygen for lengthy periods of time during birth. Known as perinatal asphyxia, the condition can have very serious consequences.
6) Cephalohematoma
The use of forceps can lead to cephalohematoma, also known as a bump or bleed under the cranium. Although the bump and bruising will subside, cephalohematoma makes an infant susceptible to anemia and meningitis.
7) Fractured Collarbones
A newborn infant with a fractured collarbone, caused when the child gets stuck in the birth canal and is mishandled by a medical worker, needs to be kept immobilized so that it can heal.
8) Facial Paralysis
Damaged facial nerves leading to facial paralysis are often caused by a vacuum or forceps-assisted birth. In some cases, the infant may be left unable to close one eye, due to the paralysis.
9) Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are extremely serious, as they may lead to paralysis. Many are caused by the use of forceps to help the infant get through the birth canal. A spinal cord injury can lead to a lifetime of medical complications and additional care.
10) Caput Succedaneum
The medical term for a swollen scalp from the use of forceps or the act of birth is called caput succedaneum. It can cause bruising as well.
If a birth injury led to your child needing additional procedures or facing a lifetime of medical issues, contact me. I’ll Make Them Pay!®
DISCLAIMER “Please understand the slogan, I’ll Make Them Pay!® is not a guarantee of payment. Both liability and real damages must be proven with a preponderance of the evidence.”
