What Are the 4 Most Common Birth Injuries?

Welcoming a newborn into the world should be a miraculous experience, but for many parents, the day is spoilt by factors outside their control. Medical negligence is a tragic yet common problem, and it can lead to birth injuries that cause severe and sometimes permanent complications.

According to the British Medical Journal, medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States. Although many infants suffer birth defects due to natural reasons, a small mistake during delivery could have devastating consequences.

The most common causes of serious complications at birth include:

Forced deliveries that involve forceps or vacuum extractors;

Oxygen deprivation; and

Failing to identify an infection or illness in the mother.

If your infant suffered a birth injury, then you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim against the at-fault medical worker or facility. If the incident happened in Louisiana, turn to the The Bowling Law Firm

David A. Bowling is a New Orleans medical malpractice lawyer who will evaluate your case and explain your legal options. You may be entitled to compensation for health-care bills and other damages.

Call (504) 586-5200 to schedule a consultation. You can also learn more about medical malpractice in Louisiana visiting USAttorneys.com

Most Common Forms of Birth Injuries

Thanks to advances in delivery techniques and fetus monitoring equipment, birth injuries are rare. However, medical workers are only human – and they sometimes make mistakes that injure the child or the mother.

Here is a brief overview of four common types of birth injuries:

1. Brain Injuries

Brain injuries are usually caused by oxygen deprivation, which can happen when a medical worker fails to monitor the baby’s oxygen levels. This can lead to cerebral palsy, seizures or mental disabilities.

2. Brachial Plexus Injuries

If the doctor pulls too hard or incorrectly on the infant’s head during delivery, then the baby may suffer an injury to the brachial plexus. This is a cluster of nerves that control movement and sensation in the upper limbs.

3. Facial Paralysis

Sometimes doctors have no choice but to execute a forced delivery. However, if a doctor uses forceps or a vacuum extractor incorrectly, then the child may suffer facial paralysis.

4. Bone Fractures

Newborns have extremely fragile skin and bones. Doctors who use excessive force during delivery may cause a bone fracture or other complications.

Should I Hire a Medical Malpractice Attorney?

Making a successful medical malpractice claim is a legally complicated endeavor. You will have to prove negligence, liability and damages, which usually requires extensive evidence in the form of an independent medical evaluation, expert testimonies, doctors’ records and other documentation.

If your child sustained an injury during delivery, contact a New Orleans medical malpractice lawyer from the The Bowling Law Firm. David A. Bowling is a birth injury attorney with more than 30 years of trial experience.

As your medical malpractice attorney, Mr. Bowling will evaluate medical records, arrange an independent medical evaluation and expert testimonies, and help you pursue the highest possible compensation. Call (504) 586-5200 to schedule a consultation.