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What Are the Most Common Birth Injuries?

March 20th, 2017
On behalf of David Bowling of The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm, A Professional Law Corporation posted in Birth Injuries on Monday, March 20, 2017.

Pregnant women must take a proactive approach to protecting the health of their baby, but doing so does not necessarily guarantee a smooth labor and delivery. Nothing is more devastating than doing everything right for nearly 10 months and then witnessing your newborn child suffer from a birth injury because of someone else’s negligence.

 

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Even seemingly minor complications during delivery can have major consequences. A few seconds without oxygen or the misuse of forceps is all it takes to cause a severe birth injury.

Some birth injuries are more serious than others, but all cases of medical malpractice during delivery can cause pain and suffering and result in additional medical bills. If your child sustained an injury during birth because of a negligent healthcare provider, a birth injury attorney from The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm may be able to help. Call (504) 586-5200 to schedule a consultation with a medical malpractice lawyer in New Orleans.

Let’s explore five of the most common birth injuries that result from medical malpractice:

1. Cephalohematoma

Cephalohematoma is the pooling of blood under the scalp that occurs as a result of head trauma. Although it often subsides on its own, serious complications can arise if not treated promptly. For example, in a review in the Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research, scientists explored the results of massive cephalohematoma in two newborn babies and found that they suffered from severe anemia and blood loss.

2. Perinatal Asphyxia

Perinatal asphyxia is the result of extended oxygen deprivation during the birth process. The American Journal of Neuroradiology reports that this condition occurs in up to 10 per 1,000 babies born at term, and it is even more common among premature newborns. Perinatal asphyxia can result in seizures, coma, shock, and brain damage.

3. Bone Fractures

Difficult deliveries often result in bone fractures, especially in the clavicle. The bone may heal on its own, but in some cases, immobilization is necessary.

4. Facial Paralysis

If there is too much pressure on the infant’s face at some point during the delivery, it can damage the facial nerves, resulting in paralysis. Facial paralysis commonly occurs when physicians use a vacuum extractor or forceps to remove the baby. If the nerve damage is minor, function may return in a matter of weeks, but in some cases, the paralysis can be permanent.

5. Brachial Plexus Palsy

If the infant’s shoulders get trapped during delivery in the mother’s pelvic bone, it can result in brachial plexus palsy, which is paralysis of the shoulder and arm. This kind of damage can be minor and temporary or severe and permanently disabling.

If your baby was injured during delivery due to the negligence of a doctor or nurse, contact The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other damages.

Call (504) 586-5200 to schedule a free consultation with a New Orleans birth injury attorney. You can learn more about medical malpractice claims in Louisiana by visiting https://medical-malpractice.usattorneys.com/louisiana/

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