Birth Injuries
Birth injuries arise from complications in the process of labor and delivery. A wide variety of problems for a
newborn baby can occur during this vulnerable time. These problems, known collectively as birth injuries, can be mild or severe.
One major cause is oxygen deprivation, which commonly occurs when the umbilical cord is compressed
or twisted in the birth process. The other main cause is mechanical trauma, which may occur when
the baby assumes an unusual position at the time of birth (buttocks rather than head first, for example)
or when the baby is too large to pass through the birth canal easily.
Numerous birth injuries are caused by mistakes made by doctors or hospitals during delivery. Birth
injuries can occur if excessive force is applied in the delivery of a child or there is a delay in
performing a necessary C-section delivery. Birth injuries can also occur if the delivery team fails
to properly anticipate the size of a child, causing a turbulent delivery.
Birth injuries have been reported to occur in 27 of 1,000 live births.
Common Birth Injuries are:
- Cerebral Palsy
- Temporary Paralysis
- Brain Damage
- Erb's Palsy
- Fractured Collar Bone
- Klumpke's Palsy
- Brachial Plexus Palsy
The most serious birth injuries are those that affect the brain. They are caused by oxygen deprivation
or bleeding within the skull or brain. These injuries vary greatly in severity. They may lead to
long-term seizure disorders or cause cerebral palsy or mental retardation.
Call Bubalo, Hiestand & Rotman at Toll Free 1-866-870-2489 for a Free Evaluation of your Birth injury case.
