Common Birth Injuries That May Lead to Legal Action

 

 

 

A birth injury can be prevented if adequate prenatal care is provided for the mother and unborn child from an early stage. However, sometimes during the pregnancy or birthing process, there are many unpredictable circumstances that may not be averted. As a result, the baby or the mother may be injured. There are many causes of birth injury that can result from medical conditions or negligence.

In most cases, the affected mother may want to institute a claim with the help of a birth injury lawyer against the medical facility that may be responsible. The effects of a birth injury are not only physical, but they can be physical. This is why it is important to read on to find out about the common types of birth injuries to help you minimize your risk or your loved ones. In the case of a birth injury where you feel the hospital or medical staff was neglectful or at fault, contact a birth injury lawyer familiar with medical cases who can investigate, gather evidence, fight for you, and help you seek compensation and justice. 

The following are several common birth injuries.

 

 

Brachial Palsy

Sometimes doctors and nurses can pull too hard at the baby's limbs to get the baby through the birth canal. This difficulty in delivering the baby is known as dystocia. When this happens, nerves called the brachial plexus that supply blood to the baby's limbs can be severely damaged.

This can cause the baby to lose its ability to rotate or flex its arms. In some cases, the injury is minor and can be fixed within a couple of months. However, in more serious cases, the tearing of the brachial plexus can cause permanent damage and advanced treatment options may be necessitated. 

 

 

Forceps Bruising 

This is when a baby has signs of bruising on their head or face caused by passing through the birth canal or the forceps used to assist in the delivery. The bruising and marks can be temporary. In some cases, babies that are delivered by a vacuum extraction can also end up with scalp lacerations. 

 

 

Caput Succedaneum

This is when there is a significant amount of swelling in the baby's scalp tissue. This is a common condition that affects babies that were delivered by vacuum extraction. The swelling usually lasts for a couple of days after delivery without any major complications. 

 

 

Cephalohematoma

Several hours after birth, a baby's head may present a raised lump. This is caused by bleeding that occurs between the skull and the fibrous tissue covering. The baby's body can reabsorb the blood in a few weeks. However, if the affected area is large, some babies develop jaundice when their red blood cells attempt to break down. 

 

 

Fractures

The most common fractures during childbirth occur on the clavicle or collarbone. If the baby is breech and there is difficulty getting out of the birth canal, the clavicle may break. While a baby with this kind of fracture may not be able to move their arm on the side where their clavicle is fractured, parents should rest assured that the healing process is expeditious.

However, if the baby is experiencing a significant amount of excruciating pain, it is important to limit their movement. You can use a soft bandage or splint to prevent more damage and pain.