Victim of a birth injury?

Understanding Common Birth Injuries

Birth injuries can have a devastating impact on a child and their family. Below are some of the most common types of birth injuries and how they occur due to medical negligence: 

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder affecting movement, balance, and posture, often caused by brain damage during or shortly after birth. Common causes include: 

• Oxygen Deprivation: Hypoxia during delivery can cause permanent brain damage. 

• Birth Trauma: Improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction can result in head injuries leading to CP. 

• Maternal Infections: Untreated infections during pregnancy can damage a baby’s developing brain. 

Preventing cerebral palsy often involves careful monitoring during labor and prompt action, such as performing a timely C-section. 

Brachial Plexus Injury

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves controlling movement in the shoulder, arm, and hand. Injury to this area can occur due to: 

• Shoulder Dystocia: When the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone, excessive pulling can stretch or tear the nerves. 

• Misuse of Forceps or Vacuum: Incorrect use of delivery tools can cause nerve damage. 

Doctors must take extra care to recognize risk factors such as large babies and prolonged labor to prevent brachial plexus injuries. 

Brain Damage

Birth-related brain damage often results from: 

• Oxygen Deprivation (Hypoxia): When the baby does not get enough oxygen, especially due to umbilical cord problems or placental issues, brain damage can occur. 

• Traumatic Brain Injury: Misuse of delivery instruments such as forceps can physically damage a newborn’s brain. 

• Untreated Jaundice: If jaundice progresses to kernicterus, it can lead to irreversible brain damage. 

Timely medical interventions such as fetal monitoring and treatment for jaundice are critical in preventing brain damage. 

Bone Fractures

Bone fractures, especially of the clavicle (collarbone), can occur during difficult deliveries due to: 

• Shoulder Dystocia: Excessive force applied during delivery can result in fractures. 

• Improper Use of Forceps or Vacuum Extractors: When these tools are used incorrectly, fragile newborn bones may break. 

Preventing fractures involves recognizing potential complications and avoiding excessive force during delivery. 

Oxygen Deprivation (HIE – Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy)

Oxygen deprivation, or HIE, is a serious brain injury caused by prolonged lack of oxygen. This condition can result from: 

• Umbilical Cord Complications: Prolapse or a nuchal cord (cord around the neck) can cut off oxygen. 

• Placental Abruption: If the placenta detaches prematurely, oxygen flow to the baby may be interrupted. 

• Prolonged Labor: If labor is stalled, the baby may suffer from lack of oxygen. 

To prevent HIE, medical staff must monitor fetal distress closely and take swift action, such as performing an emergency C-section. 

Who is Liable for Birth Injuries?

Various medical professionals or institutions may be liable for birth injuries, including: 

• Doctors and Nurses: Failure to provide proper care during labor and delivery. 

• Hospitals: Inadequate staffing, faulty equipment, or failure to monitor mother and child. 

• Pharmaceutical Companies: If medications administered during pregnancy or labor caused harm. 

Our lawyers at Sweet James hold these parties accountable for their negligence. Call us at 800-900-0000 to discuss your case. 

How Can Sweet James Help? 

Our team of experienced birth injury lawyers fights to ensure families receive the compensation they deserve, including: 

• Medical Expenses: Covering both past and future treatments. 

• Rehabilitation Costs 

• Pain and Suffering 

• Loss of Quality of Life 

• Emotional Distress 

We’ll help you navigate the complex legal process to secure justice for your child. Call 800-900-0000 or fill out our form for a free consultation. 

What Should You Do if Your Baby Suffered a Birth Injury? 

If you suspect medical negligence, follow these steps: 

1. Document Everything: Keep all medical records and detailed notes. 
2. Contact Sweet James: Call 800-900-0000 or fill out the form for immediate assistance. 
3. Free Consultation: We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to evaluate your case. 

Call Sweet James Birth Injury Lawyers Today 

You don’t have to go through this alone. Our experienced birth injury lawyers are here to fight for the justice and compensation you and your child deserve. Call 800-900-0000 now or fill out the form to get started today.