The Most Common Birth Injuries
Welcoming a newborn baby into the world is one of the greatest joys parents will ever experience. Unfortunately, sometimes the negligent acts of a medical professional can tarnish this moment of joy by causing irreparable harm to your baby, forever altering your future as a family. Any number of injuries can be sustained during the delivery process when negligence or a lack of proper training is involved, but some are much more common than others.
Below is a list of the most common birth injuries that are often the result of negligent medical care:
- Brachial palsy injuries: Brachial palsy injuries also include Erb’s palsy and Klumpke’s palsy, which all occur when the bundle of nerves that are responsible for arm and hand movement is injured. These types of injuries typically occur as a result of a physician pulling too hard or incorrectly while trying to deliver the baby. Symptoms of this injury will vary greatly depending on the severity and location of it, though it often includes numbness or weakness in the affected arm, severe pain, weakness or an inability to use the affected arm, or a complete lack of movement or feeling.
- Facial paralysis: During the delivery process, too much pressure might be exerted on an infant’s face, which could result in damaged nerves. It often occurs when a physician uses forceps or a vacuum extraction tool to deliver the baby. Babies who suffer facial paralysis might be unable to close the eye or experience any movement at all on the side of the face that is affected. If the injury is relatively minor, it is possible that it will clear up within a few weeks. However, in more serious cases, this injury could lead to total paralysis on the affected side of the infant’s face.
- Brain injuries: One of the most common and severe birth injuries infants suffer are brain injuries, which are often caused by oxygen deprivation. Infants who suffer brain injuries can potentially develop a variety of medical disorders, such as chronic seizures or cerebral palsy. A variety of medical mistakes can cause oxygen deprivation, including issues with the umbilical cord, allowing the baby to remain in the birth canal for too long, and failing to monitor the baby right after birth. Even minor oxygen deprivation can result in long-term physical problems.
- Fractures: Clavicle fractures are the most common type of fracture that occurs during delivery. It can occur when the physician pulls too hard on the infant while in breech position or when the shoulder is pulled during a long and difficult delivery. The one silver lining to this injury is that they are usually able to heal within 10 days.
- Cephalohematoma: When bleeding occurs beneath the cranium, directly under one of the cranial bones, this is known as cephalohematoma. As a result, a raised bump might appear on top of the infant’s head, which could clear up in a few months. Infants who sustain this injury are at risk for developing jaundice, anemia, hypotension, and meningitis. Oftentimes, the cause of cephalohematoma is the use of birth-assistance tools.
Birth Injury Attorney in Las Vegas
At Shook & Stone, our birth injury attorneys in Las Vegas understand that this is an emotionally difficult time for you and your family and are dedicated to ensuring the responsible parties are held accountable for your infant’s pain and suffering. Let us fight on your behalf and ensure your family receives the compensation you deserve and need to move forward.
Get started on your case today and contact us at (702) 385-2220 to schedule a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.