What Are the Most Prevalent Birth Injuries?

In the US, seven out of one thousand infants sustain a birth injury. A birth injury involves physical harm suffered by an infant during the process of labor and delivery. These types of injuries can vary in severity, ranging from mild and temporary to severe and permanent.

Common Types of Birth Injuries

Birth injuries can change your child's life forever. Some of these injuries can cause debilitating conditions that can majorly impact your child's future.

Some of the most common types of birth injuries include:

Brachial Plexus Injuries

Brachial plexus injuries occur when the nerves controlling the arm and hand are damaged. This often happens during a difficult delivery. Examples of brachial plexus injuries include Erb's palsy and Klumpke's palsy.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is a group of disorders affecting movement and posture. This condition can result from brain damage during childbirth or in the early stages of life.

Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia occurs when the baby's head passes through the birth canal, but the shoulders get stuck behind the mother's pelvic bone. This condition can lead to injuries like brachial plexus injuries or fractures.

Perinatal Asphyxia

Perinatal asphyxia occurs when an infant doesn't receive enough oxygen before, during, or after birth. It can lead to brain damage and other complications.

Facial Paralysis

Facial paralysis can occur due to pressure on the baby's face during delivery. This can cause facial nerve damage, resulting in temporary or permanent facial paralysis.

Caput Succedaneum and Cephalohematoma

Caput succedaneum and cephalohematoma are conditions where there is swelling or bleeding in the baby's head. This is usually caused by pressure during birth. While they usually resolve on their own, they can occasionally lead to complications.

Fractures

Bone fractures can occur during delivery. Collarbone fractures are the most common type of fracture sustained. This injury often occurs if the delivery is difficult or the baby is in an awkward position.

Intracranial Hemorrhage

Intracranial hemorrhages, which is bleeding within the baby's skull, can occur, resulting in potential brain damage.

How a Birth Injury Lawyer Can Help

If your child sustains an injury before, during, or after labor, a birth injury, you should seek legal representation as soon as possible. A birth injury lawyer can help during this difficult time by:

Investigating the incident

A birth injury lawyer often works with medical professionals and other experts to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and look for signs of negligence or errors. They will gather evidence, medical records, and expert opinions to build a strong case. They may also interview witnesses, such as the medical staff involved in the delivery.

Medical Expertise

An attorney will work with medical professionals to understand the standard of care that should have been provided during childbirth and determine whether it was breached.

Negotiating With the Insurance Company

Many birth injury cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. A birth injury lawyer can negotiate with the medical facility's insurance provider or defense attorneys to obtain a fair settlement for the injured party. This can be a long and time-consuming process that involves plenty of back and forth. While some cases may be resolved within a matter of months, others can take years. A birth injury lawyer will stay in close contact with the insurance company to prevent them from delaying the process and will work tirelessly to help their client recover the fair compensation they're owed for this type of devastating injury.

Trial Representation

If the insurance company fails to offer a fair settlement, a birth injury lawyer can represent you in court. They will present the case, call witnesses, cross-examine experts, and argue on behalf of their client.

Recovering Compensation

Your attorney will help you obtain compensation for damages such as medical expenses, future medical care, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses.

Contact Us Today

If your child suffered a birth injury that was caused by negligent medical staff, contact MVP Accident Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation. Our experienced birth injury lawyers are ready to listen to your story, assess your case, and provide expert legal guidance tailored to your unique situation. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you seek justice and the compensation you deserve.