Stroudsburg Birth Injury Lawyer
Having a baby comes with many different emotions, ranging from excitement and joy to anxiety and even fear about being a new parent. While most pregnancies and deliveries go as planned, and children grow up without major complication or concern, some babies are injured while in the womb or during the birthing process. When an injury to the fetus or newborn occurs, it is known as a birth injury. If the injury would not have occurred but for a medical professional’s serious error and act of malpractice, parents may have a claim for damages. Our Stroudsburg birth injury lawyers at the Needle Law Firm are prepared to help you understand the law and guide you through the process of seeking recovery.
Types of Birth Injuries
The list of types of birth injuries is long, but there are certain birth injuries that are much more common than others. Some of the more common types of birth injuries include:
-
Brachial plexus injuries. The brachial plexus refers to the nerve network that affects and controls the shoulders, arms, hands, and fingers. When the brachial plexus is injured, the baby may experience paralysis in the affected area, weakness in the arm or hands, or numbness.
-
Brain injuries. All brains are delicate, and the newborn’s brain is no exception. In fact, birth injuries can occur before the baby even enters the world, while they are still within the mother’s womb. Perinatal asphyxia is a common cause of brain injury, and occurs when blood flow and oxygen to the baby’s tissues and brain is interrupted before, during, or immediately after delivery.
-
During the birthing process, there is often a large amount of pressure placed upon the baby’s delicate structure, and sometimes this can lead to fracture of a bone. One of the most common areas of fracture is the collarbone (clavicle), although fractures of other bones, including the skull, are possible.
The above list is not inclusive – other injuries newborns suffer during birth include bleeding around the brain, injuries to the skin and soft tissues, and facial injuries. Most birth injuries resolve themselves with time; it is only the most severe of injuries that may cause long-term complications or disability.
What Causes Birth Injuries?
There are a number of things that increase the risk of a birth injury. These include:
- Position of the baby/breech delivery;
- Size of the baby (larger babies tend to have more complicated deliveries); and
- Condition of the mother – things like high blood pressure or gestational diabetes increase the risk of complication.
In addition to the above, doctors’ actions can also increase the risk of, or even cause, birth injuries. Examples include:
- The use of forceps or other birthing tools;
- Exerting too much force and pressure on the newborn during delivery (i.e. pulling the baby by the arm out of the birth canal); and
- Failing to properly monitor mom and baby pre- and post-delivery.
Our Stroudsburg Birth Injury Lawyers Can Help
If your baby has been harmed during the birthing process by the action of a medical professional, you may have a cause of action against the medical professional. To learn more about your right to pursue damages for the harm caused to your child, please call our Stroudsburg birth injury lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation or send us a message telling us more about your family’s trauma.
