What Are the 3 Most Common Categories of Birth Injuries?

Having a baby is a miraculous moment in a parent’s life. Bringing a new child into the world inspires a variety of emotions – from excitement to anticipation. Sadly, all it takes is a minor oversight by a negligent doctor or nurse to ruin this special day.

Birth injuries are, unfortunately, more common than you might think. Statistics collected by Right Diagnosis show that birth injuries might affect up to 28,000 infants each year.

According to Stanford Children’s Health, the most common causes of serious birth injuries are:

Difficult or prolonged labor;

Larger-than-usual birth weight;

Premature birth, or babies born before 37 weeks;

Cephalopelvic disproportion, or inadequate size and shape of the mother’s pelvis; and

Abnormal birthing presentation.

If your baby showed signs of illness or injury after delivery, contact the The Bowling Law Firm. David A. Bowling is a New Orleans medical malpractice lawyer with more than 30 years of trial experience. He will assess your case to determine if you have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Call (504) 586-5200 today to schedule a consultation.

3 Most Common Categories of Birth Injuries

Most birth injuries heal without medical treatment, but some injuries cause long-term and even permanent cognitive and physical disabilities. After being discharged from the hospital, it is important that parents monitor their newborns for abnormal behaviors and discuss any concerns with their doctor.

The most common birth injuries fall into these three categories:

1. Head and Brain Injuries

Most births involve the infant entering the birth canal head-first – and this means the delicate skull can take much of the pressure during delivery. This force can cause swelling and bruising around the scalp that could last for days after delivery.

Oxygen deprivation is another common cause of infant brain damage. Many of these cases involve medical negligence. If a doctor or nurse fails to monitor a newborn’s oxygen levels, then the child may suffer severe brain damage. Placental eruptions, blocked airways and umbilical cord complications can all cause oxygen deprivation.

2. Nerve Injuries

In an especially difficult delivery, your doctor might resort to using forceps to help bring the baby into the world. This can put pressure on the facial nerve, which can cause muscle weakness along one side of the infant’s face.

3. Perinatal Asphyxia

Severe birth injuries can happen when blood is prevented from flowing to an infant’s brain and other tissues. This can happen when the child is exposed to drugs or an infection. Restricted blood flow can cause serious developmental problems.

If you or your infant sustained an injury during delivery, turn to David A. Bowling. Mr. Bowling is a birth injury attorney in Louisiana who will evaluate your case, gather evidence, assess doctors’ records and help you fight for the maximum compensation.

The Bowling Law Firm is AV-rated under Martindale-Hubbell’s peer review rating system. Call (504) 586-5200 today to schedule a consultation.

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