Five Common Birth Injuries

No One Wants to Think of Their Child Being Born With A Birth Injury, But There Are Five Common Birth Injuries About Which Parents Should Be Aware.

There are a number of injuries that can occur at birth, but some are more common than others. These injuries have the potential to be devastating and can impact the child for the rest of their life. It is important that parents are aware that if their child’s birth injury is caused by negligence, compensation may be obtained for medical bills, lost income, and other damages. An experienced Ohio birth injury lawyer can help families obtain the full compensation they deserve when a birth injury occurs.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is one of the most common types of birth injuries, and it also is one of the most devastating. Cerebral palsy has many different causes, including improper monitoring of the mother during the birthing process, failure to check for fetal distress, and inappropriate birthing techniques. Cerebral palsy may cause a child to struggle with motor development, muscle weakness, and muscle spasms, and these conditions are permanent.

Erb’s Palsy

Erb’s palsy affects the nerves in the shoulder of an infant and is typically caused when doctors pull too hard on the child’s arms during birth. Erb’s palsy may result in poor reflexes, limited mobility in the arms and shoulders, and arms that bend inwards towards the body.

Brachial Palsy

Brachial palsy is also an injury that occurs within a network of nerves located in the shoulder. The difference between brachial palsy and Erb’s palsy is that brachial plexus injury typically only affects the upper arm, whereasErb’s palsy affects the upper and lower arm. Brachial plexus injury is often caused when the child’s shoulders become stuck in the birth canal during delivery and too much force is used to pull the baby out.

Bone Fractures

An infant’s bones are much more fragile than an adult’s, and they are very susceptible to breaking during the birthing process. This is particularly true when a birth is considered difficult. Broken bones are also more likely to occur when birthing tools are used incorrectly.

Caput Succedaneum

Caput succedaneum occurs when there is excessive swelling in the soft tissues of an infant’s scalp. Caput succedaneum is usually the result of a vacuum extraction tool that is used improperly, although it can also develop as infants make their way through the birth canal. Infants that suffer from caput succedaneum will not experience significant swelling in their scalp, and also may experience a great deal of discomfort.

Our Birth Injury Lawyers in Ohio Can Help You Claim Compensation

While the above birth injuries are quite common, they are also largely preventable and often occur as a result of medical negligence. If your child was born with a birth injury, our Ohio birth injury lawyers at The Eisen Law Firm can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 216-687-0900 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.