BIRTH TRAUMA/INJURY

Birth Trauma/Injury Lawyers

Birth trauma involves injuries that result from mechanical forces during the delivery. According to some studies nearly half of all birth traumas are avoidable.  Risk factors for birth trauma include infant weight at time of delivery, the use of forceps or vacuum or excessive traction.

We have the experience to handle the most complex birth trauma and birth injury cases. These cases usually involve injuries to the fetus suffered during pregnancy or labor.

Fetal Hypoxia

Hypoxia occurs when the fetus is deprived of enough oxygen. Hypoxia is usually indicated by signs of fetal distress. Signs of fetal distress include an abnormal heart rate. During labor and delivery, the fetal heart rate should be closely monitored by the hospital staff by using electronic monitoring equipment.

Forceps & Vacuum Injury

During delivery it is acceptable for doctors and nurse practitioners to use forceps and vacuum extractors to help pull the fetus through the birth canal. However, when used improperly, the result can be a skull fracture, brain injury or spinal injury.

Brachial Plexus Injury

A brachial plexus injury occurs when the baby’s shoulder and brachial plexus nerves are injured after the baby’s shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother’s pubic bone. Brachial plexus injuries can occur without the doctor being negligent. Click here for more information on the specific medical issues involved in brachial plexus injury cases.

C-Section Delay

A cesarean section is a major abdominal surgery with its own risks. Post-casarean infections and complications are also not uncommon. So for many reasons there may be a delay in a doctor electing to proceed with a c-section.  However, when serious complications are recognizable during the delivery, it is incumbent on the healthcare professionals to take quick action to perform a c-section. The failure to do so ca result in serious injury to the child including brain damage and cerebral palsy due to oxygen deprivation.

Contact Us

To talk to one of our experienced malpractice lawyers about your specific case, contact us online or call our office at 601-957-3101.