Types of Birth Injuries
November 25, 2019
While most pregnancies are free of complications, and the baby is born without any health issues, birth injuries are not uncommon. In some cases, the injury is minor, and will not involve any permanent or long-term health complications. More severe injuries, however, can have a significant impact on the baby’s health and future quality of life. If the injury was caused by medical negligence, the parents may wish to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit against the health care provider or the hospital. A skilled medical malpractice lawyer can review the case and recommend the best legal course of action. The following are examples of some of the more common types of birth injuries:
- Brachial plexus: This injury occurs when the upper extremity of the arm is injured during delivery. In some cases, the shoulder and the hand are also injured.
- Brain-related injuries: Oxygen deprivation is a common cause of brain injuries, which can result in the following complications:
– Brain ischemia: Occurs when the brain does not get enough oxygen or nutrients
– Brain hemorrhage: Occurs when blood vessels leak into the brain
– Electrical responses: Occur when the brain reacts to oxygen deprivation. This can result in seizures, cerebral palsy, and other brain function impairments. - Cerebral Palsy: This is caused by several factors, including umbilical cord problems, placental abruption, bleeding in the brain, head injury, and an infection in the brain.
- Delay in performing a C-section: If the baby’s umbilical cord is wrapped around its neck, or the baby is in distress, an immediate C-section will be necessary. A delay in surgery can cause a serious, permanent injury.
- Erb’s Palsy: This is a form of brachial plexus that impacts the nerves of the upper arm. In extreme cases, infants may lose all feeling in the affected arm.
- Klumpke’s Palsy: This is another form of brachial plexus that involves damage to the lower nerves in the arm. Infants with Klumpke’s palsy tend to have total paralysis in the lower arm, wrist, and fingers, and the hand may become deformed, taking on a claw-like appearance.
- Maternal infection: If the mother passes an infection onto the baby, it can cause injuries, disabilities, and brain damage.
- Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN): This occurs when the baby cannot breathe on their own after delivery.
- Shoulder Dystocia: If the baby’s head and shoulders become trapped in the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery, it can cause serious complications, including difficulty breathing, a collarbone fracture, cerebral palsy, or a brachial plexus fracture. In some cases, the injury can be fatal.
Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Justice for Victims of Birth Injuries
If your baby suffered a birth injury, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. An injury can have a devastating impact on the baby’s health and quality of life. If the healthcare provider responsible for your care was negligent in any way, we will hold that person liable for your baby’s injury. Our dedicated legal team will seek the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, we represent clients throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
