4 Common Birth Injuries Which may be Due to Negligence

Holding life and death in your hands is not a responsibility that anyone takes lightly. Many birth injuries and resulting lawsuits are filed against doctors and nurses for alleged negligence or malpractice.

Here are four of the most common birth injuries.

1. Brachial Plexus Injuries

The brachial plexus is a group of nerves that control the movements of the shoulder, upper arm, and the hands. Damage to these nerves can result in impaired movement and sensation or paralysis of the upper limb. Injuries include Erb Duchenne’s Palsy and Klumpke’s Palsy.
Often, this occurs when the obstetrician or the nurse pulls too hard or incorrectly on the baby’s upper limb. This can either damage the nerve roots or sever them completely from the spinal cord.

2. Brain Injuries

Brain injuries often arise from oxygen deprivation, or anoxia, during delivery. This can lead to many problems for the infant, sometimes problems that do not present until the baby gets older. Anoxia can cause physical damages which may be discoverable early, but other damages may be developmental delay, cognitive disabilities, behavioral problems, which may not show up until a baby is months or even years old.

3. Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can also occur during birth. Injuries to the spinal cord or nerves can cause weakness and/or paralysis of certain parts of the body. Most of the time, spinal cord injuries arise from improper handling of the baby after delivery. It may also be caused by incorrect delivery procedures that exert too much pressure on the spine.

4. Fractures

Fractures may also arise from improper delivery procedures. The most common fractured bones are the clavicle and the humerus or the bone of the upper arm. Clavicular fractures may cause problems in nerves controlling the arm or may damage the arteries located in the neck. Fractures on the arm are often caused when the obstetrician pulls on the infant too hard or forcefully when in a breech position. Improper handling may also cause fractures.

If you believe that your doctor, or any other medical professional involved in the care of your child, has caused your son or daughter injury, seek the advice of a Houston Birth Injury lawyer immediately before you run out of time to make your claim. For a free Houston Birth Injury case consultation, call (713) 759-6430.

July 10, 2017 12:59 pm
Categories: Birth Injury, Medical Malpractice