Labor and birth are highly sensitive physiological processes that require meticulous care and attention. Any slight mistake can result in functional deterioration and structural damage to the baby and the mother. As such, New York has put in place measures to ensure that pregnant women and their newborns receive appropriate medical care during and after childbirth. If you or someone you know experienced a birth injury, as you seek legal help, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the types and classifications of birth injuries and how they may affect you and your family’s future.
Brain-related birth injuries
When someone gives birth, regardless of how complicated the process is, the baby must always be properly breathing as the body functions. Oxygen deprivation results in trauma, which may cause brain-related birth injuries. For instance, cerebral palsy is a type of brain-related birth injury that affects muscle coordination and movement. It can result in difficulty walking, speaking, and performing daily activities.
Nerve damage birth injuries
Nerves play a crucial role in the proper functioning of our bodies, transmitting messages from the brain to different parts of the body. These nerves, also known as brachial plexus, can overstretch, become compressed or tear when the physician is pulling the arm or neck forcibly during delivery. This can result in Erb’s plexus injury, which is a type of birth injury that can cause paralysis or weakness in the baby’s arm.
Fractures and soft tissue injuries
The most common types of fractures seen in newborns are clavicle (collarbone) fractures, which can occur when the baby’s shoulders become stuck during a difficult delivery. Soft tissue injuries, on the other hand, may include bruising or swelling to the head, face, or scalp due to the use of forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery.
While most fractures and soft tissue injuries are minor and heal on their own, some may require medical intervention or physical therapy. Filing a personal injury lawsuit can help you get the compensation you need to pay for medical expenses and long-term care for your child.
Birth injuries can be temporary, especially if you deal with them promptly. However, some may result in long-term or permanent disabilities that can affect your child’s quality of life and require ongoing medical care. Always remember that you can turn to the law to seek justice for the negligence and mistakes that may have caused your child’s birth injury.