Back July 01, 2020

Common Birth Injuries

When new parents learn that they are expecting, they envision a healthy and happy baby. Most of the time, their expectations come to fruition.

Sometimes things happen that are beyond anyone’s control that impacts the life and quality of life for the parents and their child. As sad as these circumstances are, there is nothing anyone could have done to prevent it. However, some circumstances arise out of the negligence of medical professionals. It is perhaps these injuries that are the hardest to accept. Many parents seek the legal guidance of knowledgeable Matthews medical malpractice lawyers after learning that their baby sustained a birth injury.

What is a Birth Injury?

A birth injury is an injury or harm to the fetus or baby at or near the time of birth. Babies can sustain birth injuries for a variety of reasons. Some are relatively minor and will not have a lasting impact on the health of the child. Others are severe and will result in permanent disabilities, impacting the physical, mental, and emotional growth and development of the child. Anytime a birth injury is suspected, a consultation with experienced Matthews medical malpractice attorneys should be scheduled as soon as possible. If the birth injury occurred due to medical negligence, you and your child could receive compensation.

Common Birth Injuries in America

There are many different types of birth injuries that newborns are at risk of sustaining. The most common ones include:

• Cephalohematoma—Bleeding under the cranium, some can lead to other complications like jaundice or signal that more severe birth injuries occurred
• Brachial plexus palsy—Occurs when there is an injury to the group of nerves that are responsible for arm and hand movement, recovery depends on how severe the injury is
• Broken collar bones—Even though these fractures tend to heal quickly they can be quite painful and require reduced arm movement
• Facial nerve paralysis—Usually this is the result of temporary nerve bruising, but sometimes, it involves torn nerves that require surgery
• Head trauma—From the birth process, especially if a vacuum or forceps are required, the severity of head trauma can vary, but it can lead to serious problems
• Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)— Brain damage resulting from oxygen deprivation at birth
• Cerebral palsy (CP)—Sometimes caused by complications like a birth injury, birth asphyxia, birth trauma, or an infection

This list is not all-inclusive. If you suspect that your child sustained a birth injury or there were suspicious complications surrounding your birth experience, it is worth your time to speak with Matthews medical malpractice attorneys who can evaluate your situation for a legal claim.

Hire Compassionate Matthews Medical Malpractice Lawyers

When your child suffers a birth injury, many emotions arise, from deep concern to anger and everything in between. Your child may endure pain and suffering; they may never live a normal life; they may need surgery or additional and continued medical interventions. These situations are not only financially burdensome but emotionally taxing. Do not fight this battle alone; let a competent legal team advocate for you. Call the Panchenko Law Firm today at (704) 900-7675 or complete an online contact request to receive your legal consultation with one of our experienced Matthews medical malpractice lawyers.