The Most Common Birth Injury Cases Explained

At Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway P.C., we understand that welcoming a child is one of life’s most joyous moments. However, when a birth injury occurs due to medical negligence, that joy can quickly turn into a lifetime of challenges for both the child and their family. In tragic cases, a birth injury can result in wrongful death of the infant and ongoing trauma for the parents. 

According to the CDC, roughly seven out of every 1,000 births in the U.S. result in a birth injury, many of which are linked to preventable medical errors. Knowing the most frequent types of birth injuries can help parents recognize when they might need a birth injury lawyer to seek justice and compensation. Below, we’ll explore the most common birth injury cases and how a lawyer can help.

Cerebral Palsy

One of the most common results of birth injuries is cerebral palsy, a group of disorders affecting movement, muscle tone, and coordination. It’s often caused by oxygen deprivation or trauma during labor and delivery. For instance, if a medical team fails to monitor fetal distress or delays a necessary C-section, the baby’s brain can suffer irreversible damage. 

According to the CDC, nearly one in 345 infants in the U.S. are diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy ranges from mild to severe, with some children facing lifelong physical and cognitive impairments. The financial burden of therapy, medical equipment, and care can overwhelm the family, making the support of a birth injury attorney essential to secure compensation.

Brachial Plexus Injuries

Another frequent birth injury involves the brachial plexus, a network of nerves running from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm, and hand. These injuries, including Erb’s palsy, are associated with the use of excessive force during delivery. This could be pulling too hard on the baby’s head or shoulders during a difficult birth. 

Excessive force can result in temporary weakness or, in severe cases, permanent paralysis of the affected limb. Families dealing with these injuries may face costly physical therapy or surgery for their child. If you believe your child’s injury was due to malpractice, it’s time to call a personal injury lawyer. 

Fractures

Bone fractures, particularly of the clavicle (collarbone), are also common birth injuries. These usually happen when a baby is improperly maneuvered through the birth canal or when tools like forceps or vacuum extractors are misused. 

Although many fractures heal with time, the pain and potential complications can affect a newborn’s early development. A birth injury lawyer can investigate whether medical staff was involved in medical malpractice and ensure families receive support for the resulting expenses.

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) happens when a baby’s brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen or blood flow before, during, or after birth. This can result from umbilical cord complications, prolonged labor, or failure to respond to distress signals. 

HIE can lead to developmental delays, seizures, or cerebral palsy. Given the complexity of proving negligence in these cases, an attorney is key in gathering medical evidence and building a winning claim. Make sure to consult your lawyer as soon as possible to avoid dealing with a preventable injury alone.

A Birth Injury Lawyer Can Help

Birth injury cases require a clear understanding of both medical and legal considerations. The birth injury attorneys at Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway P.C. are dedicated to helping families overcome these challenges and secure justice. We investigate the circumstances of your child’s injury and fight for rightful compensation. 

If you suspect your child suffered a birth injury due to medical negligence, don’t hesitate to reach out to us to learn how to support your pursuit of justice. Call us today at 800-433-2408 or reach out online to schedule a consultation.