What Types of Birth Injuries are Most Common?

Joy, excitement, and elation are emotions you should feel when you or your partner gives birth. You should not have to fear for your child’s health or well-being. When a doctor, midwife, or nurse makes an error, a serious birth injury might incur. One seemingly minor injury could lead to a lifetime of health complications. Nothing is more important than the welfare of your child — if something went wrong during labor, contact a New Jersey birth injury lawyer for help filing a legal claim.

Common birth injuries include:

• Cerebral palsy – A non- progressive brain disorder, cerebral palsy is generally a lifetime disability. It may be caused by an infection during pregnancy, lack of oxygen during birth, severe jaundice, Rh incompatibility, or a traumatic brain injury during birth.

• Brachial plexus injury / Erb’s palsy – Brachial plexus injuries are caused by nerve damage, which could be caused by an improper deliver.

• Spina Bifida. When tissue that develops into the brain and spinal cord does not develop properly in the womb, it can cause spina bifida, which can lead to a series of physical disabilities. It is detectable via ultrasound.

• Brain damage. A variety of issues can arise if the brain is damaged during birth due to lack of oxygen, traumatic brain injury, or a reduced blood flow.

• Caput succedaneum. Babies subjected to a vacuum birth are at risk for caput succedaneum, a swelling of the soft tissues of the baby’s scalp.

• Fractures. Improper birthing methods could lead to broken bones.

• Cephalohematoma. Cephalohematoma is an area of bleeding underneath one of the cranial bones. In some cases, a fracture or other injury causes this bleeding in newborns.

• Subconjunctival hemorrhage. When a small blood vessel breaks just under the surface of your eye, it is known as a subconjunctival hemorrhage. This can occur due to a birth injury.

Mothers giving birth are also at risk of injury or death if not properly cared for. Medical professionals have the duty to provide a high standard of care. They are expected to warn you of risks associated with you and your baby’s treatment. If you can prove medical malpractice in a court of law, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, emotional distress, and more.

Call us today at (732) 253-4512 or contact us online.  Your initial consultation is free. You can schedule an appointment at one of our office locations across New Jersey.