While the birth of a baby should be a joyous occasion, there are situations that can occur during the birthing process that result in injuries. While some injuries are unavoidable, others are often the result of a medical provider’s negligent or wrongful act.
If your baby suffered a birth injury, and you believe a doctor’s error was to blame, it may be possible to file a medical malpractice claim and recover compensation. Here you can learn about some of the most common birth injuries that occur.
Brachial palsy
This condition occurs when the nerves that supply the hands and arms are injured. Usually, this happens due to issues delivering the baby’s shoulder. With this condition, the baby can’t rotate or flex the arm for at least a few months. If the nerve is torn, permanent damage may occur.
Facial paralysis
In labor, if excess pressure is applied to the baby’s face, it could injure the facial nerve. This injury may also occur if forceps are used to assist with the delivery. With this condition, there’s no movement on the injured side of the face and the eye won’t close. Sometimes, the condition will improve after a few weeks, but other cases require surgery.
Fractures
The most common fracture during labor and delivery for babies is the collarbone. This usually occurs if the baby’s shoulder gets caught during a breech delivery.
Do you have a medical malpractice case?
Determining if you have a medical malpractice case can be tricky since it’s necessary to provide proof of a doctor’s wrongdoing or negligence. It’s a good idea to learn about your legal options and utilize the resources available to determine if you have a viable case.
