Malvern Birth Injury Lawyer

A birth injury can impact your child’s health and future. If medical negligence played a role, Kingbird Legal is ready to fight for your family. Our Malvern birth injury lawyer will seek compensation for your child’s medical needs, ongoing care, and suffering. Your family deserves justice. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation, and let us advocate for your child’s rights.

Understanding Birth Injuries and Their Common Causes

Birth injuries are a devastating reality for many families, resulting in long-term physical and emotional consequences. These injuries occur during the birthing process and can affect the baby, the mother, or both. While some injuries are unavoidable, many are the result of medical negligence or errors. Knowing the different types of birth injuries and their causes can help parents understand their options if their child has been affected.

Types of Birth Injuries

Brachial Plexus Injury

Brachial plexus injuries occur when the network of nerves that controls the arm, hand, and shoulder is damaged. These injuries can happen if excessive force is applied to the baby’s arm or shoulder during delivery, especially in cases of shoulder dystocia (when the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck during birth).

Common symptoms include arm weakness, loss of sensation, or paralysis of the arm. Treatment may involve physical therapy, but in severe cases, surgery might be required.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects muscle coordination and body movement. It is often the result of brain damage during birth. If oxygen flow to the baby’s brain is compromised during labor (due to factors like umbilical cord prolapse or placental abruption), brain damage can occur, leading to cerebral palsy.

While cerebral palsy can sometimes develop due to unavoidable complications, medical errors during labor, such as improper monitoring of fetal heart rate or delayed delivery, can increase the risk of this injury.

Fractures

Bone fractures, particularly of the clavicle (collarbone), are relatively common during difficult deliveries, especially if the baby’s shoulders get stuck. These fractures typically heal with minimal intervention, but in severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary.

Intracranial Hemorrhage

Intracranial hemorrhages, or bleeding in the brain, can occur when excessive force is used during delivery or if there is a traumatic event, such as the use of forceps or vacuum extraction. This injury can cause severe developmental and neurological issues and may require emergency medical treatment.

Facial Nerve Injury

Facial nerve injury can occur when excessive force is used to pull the baby out during delivery, particularly if forceps or vacuum extraction are employed. This type of injury typically affects one side of the baby’s face and may cause facial paralysis. In most cases, the injury improves over time with proper treatment, but in more severe cases, surgery might be required.

Erb’s Palsy

Erb’s Palsy is a type of brachial plexus injury, where the nerves in the neck and shoulder area are damaged, typically due to a difficult delivery. It is most commonly caused by excessive pulling or twisting of the baby’s head and neck during delivery, especially in cases of shoulder dystocia.

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy occurs when the baby’s brain is deprived of oxygen during birth, leading to brain injury. This can be caused by a range of factors, including umbilical cord issues, placental abruption, or uterine rupture. In some cases, a failure to respond quickly to abnormal fetal heart rates can contribute to this injury.

Causes to Consider

Failure to Monitor Fetal Heart Rate

One of the most common causes of birth injuries is inadequate monitoring of the fetal heart rate. When a baby’s heart rate drops, it can be a sign of distress or lack of oxygen. If doctors or nurses fail to recognize abnormal fetal heart patterns or respond promptly, the baby may suffer from conditions like HIE or cerebral palsy. Proper monitoring is crucial to identifying issues early on and preventing further injury.

Excessive Use of Force During Delivery

In some cases, doctors may apply too much force when delivering the baby, particularly during difficult births. The use of forceps, vacuum extraction, or excessive pulling on the baby can result in injuries like brachial plexus damage, clavicle fractures, or facial nerve injuries. These tools should be used cautiously and only when necessary to avoid harm.

Failure to Perform a C-Section

In certain situations, a cesarean section (C-section) is the safest delivery method for the baby and the mother. If a doctor fails to perform a C-section when complications arise, it can lead to serious birth injuries. For example, a prolonged labor or a baby in an abnormal position may require a C-section to avoid injury to the baby. When a C-section is delayed or not performed, it can result in injuries such as cerebral palsy or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia occurs when the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck during delivery, often resulting in significant injury. This can lead to brachial plexus injuries like Erb’s palsy or fractures. When shoulder dystocia is not managed properly, it can cause severe damage to the baby, making immediate action crucial to prevent long-term complications.

Failure to Recognize and Respond to Fetal Distress

Fetal distress can manifest in several ways, including abnormal heart rates, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, or decreased fetal movement. If healthcare providers fail to notice signs of distress or don’t respond quickly enough, the baby may suffer from lack of oxygen, leading to conditions like cerebral palsy or intracranial hemorrhage. Prompt action, such as a C-section, can often prevent these injuries.

Infections During Labor or Delivery

Infections contracted during labor or delivery, such as Group B streptococcus or chorioamnionitis, can cause severe harm to both the mother and the baby. Infections can lead to birth injuries like brain damage, sepsis, or pneumonia. Proper screening and treatment during pregnancy can help prevent infections, but failure to treat them in a timely manner can result in injury.

Medication Errors

Errors in administering medications, such as incorrect dosages or failure to respond to reactions, can lead to birth injuries. For example, an overdose of pain medication can depress the baby’s respiratory system or cause brain injury due to lack of oxygen. Similarly, failure to give necessary medications to prevent preterm labor or complications during pregnancy can contribute to birth injuries.

Inadequate Preparation for Complicated Deliveries

Some deliveries are more complicated due to the baby’s position, size, or the mother’s health. When complications are not properly anticipated or managed, injuries can occur. For example, improper handling of a breech birth or failing to plan for a complicated delivery can result in significant injury to the baby. Healthcare providers should be well-prepared and skilled in handling complex deliveries to prevent harm.

Malvern Birth Injury Attorney 

While many birth injuries are unavoidable, a significant number are the result of medical negligence or failure to follow proper procedures. Understanding the common types of birth injuries and their causes is important for parents who may be dealing with the consequences of these preventable events. If you or a loved one has experienced a birth injury, it’s important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney in Pennsylvania to explore your legal options and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. Kingbird Legal’s Malvern birth injury attorney will fight for the compensation your family needs to provide the best possible care. Call 484-289-4880 today for a free consultation, and let us help you seek justice for your child.