Birth injuries vary in severity and may resolve over time or lead to lasting challenges. One example is Erb’s palsy, a brachial plexus injury affecting the nerves that control the upper arm. It may occur when excessive force is applied during difficult deliveries and can impact mobility or strength. This condition affects roughly 1 in 1,000 newborns and may result in arm weakness, limited movement, or partial to complete paralysis.
Birth Injury
Birth Injury
The birth of a child is meant to be one of life’s most joyful moments. However, when complications arise and a newborn suffers an injury during labor or delivery, the emotional and physical toll on families can be overwhelming.
If your child is displaying symptoms of a birth injury, it is natural to have questions.
What exactly is a birth injury?
How did this happen?
Could it have been prevented?
Were medical professionals responsible?
While some birth injuries occur despite proper care, others may result from medical negligence or preventable mistakes. When healthcare providers fail to follow accepted medical standards, families have the right to seek accountability.
Understanding Birth Injuries
As parents prepare for the arrival of a newborn, they rely on medical professionals to manage pregnancy and delivery safely. However, injuries can occur during labor or childbirth. It is important to distinguish birth injuries, which result from complications during delivery, from birth defects that develop during pregnancy. Birth injuries may be associated with delayed medical decisions, improper use of delivery tools, or failure to adequately monitor the baby’s condition.
Common Types of Birth Injuries
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is one of the most widely recognized birth-related conditions, affecting movement, muscle tone, and coordination.
This condition impacts approximately 500,000 individuals in the United States and may result from oxygen deprivation or trauma during delivery.
Children with cerebral palsy may experience:
- Motor skill challenges
- Muscle stiffness or weakness
- Developmental delays
Causes of Birth Injuries
Birth injuries may result from a range of circumstances, including:
- Failure to monitor fetal distress
- Improper use of delivery tools
- Delayed cesarean section
- Medication errors
- Mismanagement of labor complications
When medical providers fail to respond appropriately to complications, preventable injuries may occur.
Medical Negligence and Accountability
Healthcare providers are expected to follow accepted standards of care throughout pregnancy and delivery. When these standards are not met and harm occurs, families may have grounds to seek accountability. Medical negligence can involve misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, improper delivery techniques, or failure to recognize warning signs. Determining whether negligence played a role often requires detailed investigation and expert medical review.
Long-Term Impact and Support
Birth injuries can influence many areas of a child’s life, including physical development, cognitive abilities, emotional health, and educational needs. Families may face long-term medical care, therapy, and support expenses. In these situations, experienced legal guidance can assist in reviewing records, identifying potential negligence, and evaluating available options for pursuing appropriate support.
Free Case Review
If your child has suffered a birth injury, you are not alone. Our mission is to help families understand their rights and pursue accountability when appropriate. Our attorneys are available to answer your questions and discuss your situation.
Contact The Michael Brady Lynch Firm today for a free case review.
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