The birth of a newborn baby is a joyous occasion celebrated by friends and family. Therefore, it is never an easy to deal with unexpected and unfortunate incidents that may surround a child’s birthing. On rare occasions complications caused by medical negligence can subject a newborn to serious injury, creating an uncertain future for the child and family members. During these most difficult of times, it is important to have an understanding and empathetic attorney by your side to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that your family’s legal rights are protected.
It is not always easy to identify a birth injury as some symptoms may not show up until years later. A birthing injury is defined as any type of damage inflicted on the infant’s body before, during or just after birth. Injuries range from minor bruises and skin irritations to severe damage to the brain or circulatory system that may result in the death of the infant. Brain injuries occur when the child is deprived of oxygen or is bleeding inside the brain from trauma during pregnancy, labor or delivery.
In some circumstances, oxygen deprivation can occur naturally during the labor and delivery process. For example, the umbilical cord can become compressed or twisted in the birthing process and may cut off the supply of oxygen to the brain. Other instances include when the baby is too large to pass through the birth canal easily, or the baby is breach or sideways in the womb. The medical team must be prepared for these situations and act immediately to save the child.
Some common types of birth injuries include:
- Severe skin irritations
- Temporary or permanent paralysis
- Fractured bones
- Cerebral Palsy, Erb’s Palsy, or Brachial Plexus Palsy
- Brain damage resulting in impaired motor skills
There are many “natural” circumstances wherein oxygen deprivation can occur during the labor and delivery process: the umbilical cord can become compressed or twisted in the birth process; the baby is too large to pass through the birth canal easily, or the baby is breach or sideways in the womb.
If you suspect your infant has suffered a birth injury as a result of medical negligence, it is imperative that you contact an experienced personal injury law firm immediately after birth. The Nagelberg Bernard Law Group has lawyers experienced in handling these serious birth injury and wrongful death cases.
