Birth puts a tremendous strain on both the child and the mother, even without additional complications. When birth trauma is due to negligent medical care or improper use of instruments, the effects can be even more devastating. The Goldsmith & Goldsmith, LLP medical malpractice team works with many clients who are facing the reality of birth injuries. We understand the difficulties a family must face in these tough times.
According to the Birth Injury Guide, a leading source of information on malpractice-related birth trauma, around 28,000 Americans per year come into the world with a birth injury. That means approximately three babies per hour suffer due to preventable medical complications.
Bone fractures
Bone fractures are one of the most common birth injuries. Fractures occur most often during complicated labor or delivery. The clavicle is most susceptible to a break during a breech delivery or delivering the baby’s shoulder.
Cerebral palsy
Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition that affects the baby’s motor control. This damage to the brain tissues is due to a lack of oxygen. Poor birthing practices and improper care during fetal distress are two of the leading causes of cerebral palsy.
Brachial plexus nerve injuries
The brachial plexus nerves send signals to the hands, arms and shoulders. If the brachial plexus nerves sustain damage, it can result in poor motor control and numbness. Erb’s Palsy is a common form of this trauma. Babies with these injuries can sometimes recover with a daily physical therapy regimen.
Please visit our webpage to learn more about birth injuries due to medical malpractice.
