A birth injury is an injury that occurs during or shortly after the birth of a baby. Birth injuries can range from mild to severe, and in some cases can even be fatal. Some common types of birth injuries include bruises, fractures, and head injuries. Birth injuries can occur for a variety of reasons, including if the mother has a health condition that makes childbirth more difficult, if the baby is too large for the mother’s birth canal, or if the delivery is complicated in some way.
In some cases, birth injuries may be due to negligence on the part of the medical staff involved in the delivery. If you believe that your child has suffered a birth injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Common Birth Injuries
There are a variety of different types of birth injuries that can occur, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the most common types of birth injuries include:
- Bruises: Bruises can occur if the baby is delivered with forceps or vacuum extractors. In some cases, bruises may be harmless and will fade over time. However, in other cases, bruises can be more severe and may require medical treatment.
- Fractures: Fractures can occur if the baby is delivered breech (bottom first) or if there is excessive force used during the delivery. In some cases, fractures may heal on their own without any medical intervention. However, in other cases, fractures may require surgery to correct.
- Head injuries: Head injuries can occur if the baby’s head is delivered with force, if the baby is delivered breech, or if there is a prolonged delivery. Head injuries can range from mild (such as a concussion) to severe (such as a traumatic brain injury). In some cases, head injuries may require surgery to correct.
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries can occur if the baby’s spine is damaged during the delivery. Spinal cord injuries can be very serious and may result in paralysis. In some cases, spinal cord injuries may be permanent.
- Erb’s Palsy: Erb’s palsy is a type of birth injury that occurs when the nerves in the baby’s arm are damaged during the delivery. Erb’s palsy can range from mild to severe, and in some cases may require surgery to correct.
- Shoulder Dystocia: Shoulder dystocia is a type of birth injury that causes a baby’s shoulder to be stuck in the mother’s birth canal. This can be serious and result in injury to both the child and the mother.
What to Do If your Child Suffered a Birth Injury
If your child has suffered any type of birth injury, it is important to seek medical attention right away. If you don’t trust the doctor who delivered your baby, you can always get a second opinion. Once you have your child’s medical condition under control, you can start to think about whether or not you want to file a medical malpractice lawsuit.
If you believe that your child’s birth injury was caused by negligence on the part of the medical staff, you may be entitled to compensation. In addition, if you believe that your child’s birth injury was caused by a medical provider’s negligence, you may be able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s birth injury, you should contact a medical malpractice lawyer to discuss your case.
It’s always best to seek help from a local attorney, since they will have a better understanding of the state laws. For instance, if your child suffered a birth injury in Chicago, a Chicago birth injury lawyer can help you with your case and file paperwork, settle out of court, or pursue with a case in front of a judge and jury.
