Birth Injury Lawyers

What are the most common types of birth injuries?

The most common types of birth injuries vary depending on factors such as the circumstances of the delivery, the size and position of the baby, and the medical interventions involved. Some of the most common types of birth injuries include:

1. Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): HIE is a type of brain injury that occurs when the baby's brain is deprived of oxygen and blood flow during or shortly after birth. It can lead to long-term, severe neurodevelopmental disabilities.

2. Brachial Plexus Injuries: The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that controls movement and sensation in the arms and shoulders. During a difficult delivery, these nerves can be stretched or torn, leading to conditions such as Erb's palsy or Klumpke's palsy. These injuries may cause weakness or paralysis in the affected arm.

3. Erb's Palsy and Klumpke's Palsy: These are forms of brachial plexus injuries that can occur during difficult deliveries, particularly when excessive force is applied to the baby's head, neck, or shoulders. Erb's palsy involves damage to the upper nerves of the brachial plexus, leading to weakness or paralysis of the affected arm. Klumpke's palsy involves damage to the lower nerves of the brachial plexus, resulting in weakness or paralysis of the hand and forearm. Depending on the severity of the injury, these conditions can lead to lifelong functional impairments in the affected limb.

4. Fractures: The clavicle (collarbone) is the most commonly fractured bone during childbirth, especially in difficult deliveries or instances of shoulder dystocia. Fractures of the other bones, including the skull, can also occur, but they are relatively rare.

5. Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): A potentially blinding eye disorder that primarily affects premature infants. It occurs when the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, do not develop properly. ROP most commonly affects babies born very prematurely, typically before 31 weeks of gestation, or those with a very low birth weight.

6. Kernicterus: Hyperbilirubinemia, also known as jaundice, is a condition characterized by the accumulation of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is produced when red blood cells break down. It is typically processed by the liver and excreted from the body. The baby’s liver may not be able to effectively process and eliminate bilirubin, leading to its buildup in the blood. Severe hyperbilirubinemia can lead to a condition called kernicterus, where bilirubin breaches the blood-brain barrier. Kernicterus is a rare but potentially serious complication that can cause brain damage and neurological problems if left untreated.

It's important to note that while these birth injuries can occur, many of them are minor and resolve without long-term consequences. However, in cases where a birth injury results in significant and lasting harm to the baby due to medical negligence or malpractice, legal action may be pursued to seek compensation for the child's injuries, medical expenses, and future care needs.