Birth injuries often occur as a result of medical malpractice when a child is being born. When a complication arises during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, medical practitioners are expected to act quickly and make sound decisions that keep the newborn safe and healthy.
When this does not happen, newborns may be left with life-long injuries. Get informed on the signs and symptoms of the most common birth injuries.
Warning Signs of Common Birth Injuries
Certain birth injuries may be apparent immediately after a child’s birth, while others do not present themselves for weeks or months after a child is born. Learn about the warning signs for some of the most common birth injuries below.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a birth defect that happens to a baby’s brain before, during, or immediately after delivery and can result as a lack of oxygen to the brain. Cerebral palsy may occur as a result of medical malpractice when the child is left in the mother’s birth canal for too long and suffers from oxygen deprivation to the brain. It can also occur when an infant is pulled out of the birth canal forcefully or had an instrument-related injury.
Common warning signs of cerebral palsy include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Limited or complete loss of muscle control
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Difficulties with oral communication
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Abnormal reflexes
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
HIE is a type of brain injury that may occur during childbirth if there is insufficient oxygen and blood flow to the brain. HIE may occur as a result of prolonged or difficult labor, childbirth complications, or other event that causes insufficient oxygen and subsequent brain cell death and permanent disabilities.
Common warning signs of HIE include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Abnormal movements or seizures
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Feeding problems due to weak muscles in the mouth and throat
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Exhibiting signs of organ dysfunction
Erb’s Palsy
Erb’s palsy is a type of brachial plexus injury that may result in permanent disability. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that conducts signals to the arm. When the brachial plexus is damaged, the child may suffer from limited mobility or total paralysis of the arm.
Common warning signs of Erb’s palsy include, but are not limited to, the following:
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The affected arm may be limp and bent at the elbow
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A decreased ability to grip with the hand on the affected side
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Loss of sensory and motor function in the affected arm
Suspect a Birth Injury? Contact Us Today
If you believe your child has suffered a birth injury, the thought of going up against large hospitals and insurance companies may seem overwhelming. At Dolt, Thompson, Shepherd & Conway, we have the experience and financial resources necessary to fight these large entities and help you recover the compensation you and your child deserve.
Big cases require big resources. Contact us today at (502) 244-7772 to learn if we can assist you.