The birth of a child is meant to be the most celebratory time of a parent’s life. Unfortunately, this process does not always go according to plan.

Birth injuries most commonly occur when the doctor or another medical provider deviates from standard procedure or fails to recognize potential danger to the child or mother during the birthing process.

Medical professionals are responsible to follow strict regulations in monitoring vital signs and taking all necessary steps and precautions to help prevent danger and illness during birth. When they deviate from these standards, doctors, nurses, and hospital staff can be held liable for their negligent actions.

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Birth injuries can be overwhelming and life-altering, both for families and the children who suffer from them. Moreover, the long-term medical costs associated with treatment and care is astronomical. If a medical professional or facility breached their duty of care during the birth process, a claim should be filed against them to address the damages.

Birth injuries can manifest in a variety of ways, including physical, developmental, and cognitive complications. Listed below are some of the most common types of birth injuries.

Types of Birth Trauma

Cerebral palsy

This condition affects the motor functions and development of infants who are injured during birth. This is a type of brain injury. There are three major types: spastic, ataxic and athetoid. This condition is not one that worsens over time, but additional surgery may be needed as bones grow and become established. Children born with cerebral palsy are often heavily dependent on parents and caretakers for everyday needs.

Erb’s palsy

This condition is caused by nerve damage in the arms, specifically, the C5-C6 nerves. The most common cause of this type of injury is difficult labor that results in the baby’s shoulder not being able to pass through without injury (dystocia). While some infants recover on their own, others need surgery.

Umbilical cord compression

This occurs when blood flow to the unborn child is blocked by an obstruction or pressure in the umbilical cord. Sometimes, the umbilical cord can become compressed on its own. This happens in about ten percent of all deliveries. In some severe cases, an emergency cesarean section may be required.

Brain damage

One of the most common ways that infants are born with brain damage is by way of asphyxiation. Injuries during the delivery process occur in just over one percent of cesarean section births.

Brachial plexus

The brachial plexus is actually a name for a group of nerves located along the spinal cord. These nerves are connected to the shoulders, arms and hands. An injury to this group of nerves during child birth can necessitate prolonged physical therapy and surgery in some severe cases.

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy

This is a condition in which the brain is not able to get the oxygen that it needs. Most commonly, this injury occurs at birth and can actually be fatal. Some causes can be: difficult childbirth, blocked blood vessel, umbilical cord strangulation, complications from anesthesia and more.

Bagby Law has worked for years to provide birth injury victims with the kind of professional legal representation that gets results.