Common Birth Injuries Caused by Medical Negligence

The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 30% of birth injuries are preventable. Medical negligence is one of the leading causes of birth injuries in the United States.  A recent study performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) comprised a list of the most common types of birth injuries due to medical negligence, which includes the following:

Brachial Palsy Injuries

Brachial palsy injuries, including Erb’s palsy and Klumpke’s palsy, occur when the bundle of nerves responsible for moving the arms and hands (brachial plexus) is injured. The most common cause of brachial plexus injuries is shoulder dystocia, a condition that occurs when a baby’s shoulders are trapped in the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery. If a doctor pulls too hard or incorrectly while attempting to deliver the baby, the brachial plexus can be damaged.

Facial Paralysis

During the delivery period, a baby’s face may have too much pressure on it, resulting in damaged nerves. This type of injury is common when doctors use tools like forceps or a vacuum to pull the baby out. Facial paralysis in newborns results in the inability to close the eye on the affected side of the face. Also, there is usually no movement at all on the side of the affected face. If the injury is mild, it can clear up within a few weeks. Serious cases can lead to total paralysis of the face.

Brain Injuries

Oxygen deprivation leads to significant brain injuries. Oxygen deprivation can cause serious birth injuries such as Cerebral Palsy. Unfortunately, oxygen deprivation occurs more often during delivery than it should.   When a baby suffers from a brain injury, a host of medical disorders may follow, including cerebral palsy and chronic seizures. Oxygen deprivation can happen when a doctor or nurse fails to correctly monitor a baby during labor and immediately after birth. Oxygen deprivation can be caused by umbilical cord issues, such as a prolapsed cord or prolonged labor, allowing the baby to remain too long in the birth canal. Studies suggest that even mild oxygen deprivation can lead to serious consequences, including intellectual disabilities and long-term physical problems.

Fractures

A fracture to the clavicle is the most typical type of fracture during delivery. This type of birth injury usually occurs when a delivering physician pulls on the infant too hard while in the breech position. It can also happen when the shoulder is forcefully pulled during a prolonged, difficult delivery. Infants usually can’t move the arm on the side of the fracture. The good news, however, is that these types of fractures almost always heal, usually within 10 days.

Cephalohematoma

Cephalohematoma is an injury which causes bleeding underneath the cranium, usually directly under one of the cranial bones. It most often appears several hours after birth when a raised bump appears on the top of the baby’s head. The use of birth-assisting tools, like forceps or a vacuum, have been known to cause cephalohematoma. These “bumps” increase the risk for jaundice, anemia, hypotension, and in rare cases, meningitis.

If your child has suffered a birth injury as a result of medical negligence, it’s important to speak with a lawyer. Taking legal action can help ensure that your child gets the proper care and treatment they need and can help you get compensated for the medical expenses these tragic and life-altering injuries can cause.