What Are the Most Common Birth Injuries?

Each year, about seven in every 1,000 children will suffer from a birth injury, according to the CDC. Birth injuries can occur during labor and delivery, and often result in long-term damage. Read on to learn some of the most common birth injuries and what you should do if your child sustains a birth injury.

Common Birth Injuries

If you think your child may have suffered a birth injury, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Early diagnosis and treatment is often the key to preventing long-term damage. The most common birth injuries are:

• Brachial plexus injury. This occurs when the baby’s shoulder gets stuck in the birth canal, which can stretch or tear the brachial plexus nerves. This can cause arm weakness or paralysis.
• Cerebral palsy. This is a group of disorders that affect movement and coordination. It can be caused by problems with the brain or nervous system, but often has no known cause.
• Erb’s palsy. This is a condition that affects the baby’s nerves in the neck and can cause weakness or paralysis in the arms.
• Hip dysplasia. This is a condition where the hip joint is not properly formed, which can cause problems with walking later in life.
• Facial nerve damage. This occurs when the baby’s head is squeezed too tightly during delivery, which can damage the facial nerve and cause facial paralysis.
• Skull fracture. This can occur during a difficult birth, when the baby’s head is squeezed or bounces off the mother’s pelvis. It can lead to permanent brain damage.
• Perinatal asphyxia. This occurs when the baby doesn’t get enough oxygen before, during, or after birth. It can cause brain damage, seizures, and death.

Understanding the Occurrence of Birth Injuries

While some birth injuries are unavoidable, others can be prevented through proper prenatal care and timely delivery. If you or a loved one has suffered a birth injury, it is important to understand your legal rights and options. An experienced attorney can help you seek the compensation you deserve.

If you believe that your child’s birth injury was caused by medical negligence, you may have a case. Negligence can occur when a healthcare provider fails to meet the standard of care required in their field. This could include errors made during the delivery process, such as using excessive force or failing to timely identify and address potential problems.

Contact an Experienced Birth Injury Attorney in New Jersey

If you are considering filing a lawsuit, it is important to have experienced legal representation on your side. Birth injury cases can be complex, and there are many factors that need to be considered. An attorney will help you gather the evidence needed to prove that your child’s injury was caused by negligence. They will also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and help you get the compensation you deserve.

If your child has suffered a birth injury, don’t hesitate to contact the attorneys at Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy in New Jersey. They can help you get the answers and compensation you need.