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What are the most common birth injuries?

On Behalf of | Mar 17, 2022 | Birth Injuries

Birth injuries caused by neglectful care can be devastating for all involved, from the birthing parent to the child to the extended family unit. Sadly, such injuries happen to California families each year and often require legal action to ensure injuries can be cared for. Here are some of the most common birth injuries in the United States:

  • Cerebral palsy: This happens when babies lose oxygen for too long, often due to a delivery complication. This can lead to brain damage, which can lead to CP. Often and tragically, the asphyxia that leads to CP is preventable and results from malpractice.
  • Erb’s palsy: This is a nerve injury caused by damage to the infant’s body during the delivery. Overstretching of the arm, shoulder, neck, or head can cause nerve damage resulting in this issue. The risk of this happening is higher for larger babies or those in breech position.
  • Skull fracture: The head of a newborn undergoes a great deal of pressure during the birthing process. While they head is usually flexible enough to withstand this, it is still vulnerable. Particularly in cases where a vacuum extractor or forceps are used, misuse could result in a skull fracture.

Other fractures, brain injuries, nerve damage and even, sadly, wrongful death are also possible outcomes of medical neglect in a birthing situation. These can be tremendously painful events, both physically for the birthing parent and the baby as well as emotionally for all involved. Those who have experienced a birth injury and would like to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit can reach out to a California lawyer experienced in such matters.