Birth injuries are physical or neurological harm sustained by a newborn during labor and delivery. These injuries range in severity, but some are more prevalent than others. Understanding the most common birth injury and its implications can help parents recognize when to seek legal assistance.
The Most Common Birth Injury: Brachial Plexus Injury
Brachial plexus injury, including Erb’s palsy, is one of the most frequent birth injuries. This condition occurs when the bundle of nerves controlling movement and sensation in the shoulders, arms, and hands is damaged. It often results from excessive force during delivery or complications like shoulder dystocia.
Causes of Brachial Plexus Injury
Several factors can lead to brachial plexus injury during childbirth:
- Prolonged labor: Extended delivery times increase the risk of nerve damage.
- Improper use of delivery tools: Forceps or vacuum extractors can apply undue pressure.
- Shoulder dystocia: When a baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pelvis, excessive force may be used to complete the delivery.
- High birth weight: Larger babies are more prone to complications that increase the risk of nerve injuries.
Symptoms and Long-Term Effects
Signs of brachial plexus injury include:
- Weakness or paralysis in the affected arm.
- Limited range of motion.
- Lack of reflexes in the injured arm.
While some cases resolve with physical therapy, severe injuries may require surgery or lead to permanent disability.
Other Common Birth Injuries
In addition to brachial plexus injury, other common birth injuries include:
- Cerebral palsy: Often caused by oxygen deprivation or trauma during delivery.
- Fractures: Clavicle fractures are common in difficult deliveries.
- Facial nerve injuries: Resulting from pressure or force during delivery.
- Caput succedaneum and cephalohematoma: Swelling or bleeding under the scalp due to delivery trauma.
Why a Birth Injury Attorney Is Essential
When a birth injury occurs, parents often face overwhelming emotional and financial challenges. Hiring a birth injury attorney is crucial for navigating these complexities and ensuring your family’s needs are met.
The Role of a Birth Injury Attorney
An experienced attorney can:
- Investigate negligence: They analyze medical records and consult experts to identify errors.
- Determine liability: Establishing who is at fault is critical for securing compensation.
- Advocate for your child’s future: Compensation can cover medical expenses, therapy, adaptive equipment, and long-term care.
Protecting Your Rights
Medical institutions and insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. An attorney ensures your family receives fair compensation and holds negligent parties accountable.
When to Seek Legal Help
If you suspect a birth injury resulted from medical negligence, consult with Noakes Law Group immediately. Signs to watch for include:
- Delayed responses to delivery complications.
- Unexplained symptoms in your newborn.
- Lack of communication from medical staff about delivery issues.
The statute of limitations varies, so timely action is crucial.
Conclusion
Brachial plexus injury is the most common birth injury, often stemming from preventable errors during delivery. While some injuries resolve with treatment, others can have lasting effects on a child’s life. Consulting a skilled birth injury attorney helps families secure the resources needed for their child’s care and hold medical professionals accountable for their actions.