Medical malpractice can cause several birth injuries. Some of these are relatively minor and can be easily treated, while others can cause lifelong disabilities.
Here, you will learn about four types of birth injuries often caused by medical malpractice: cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, shoulder dystocia, and nerve damage.
If you believe your kid was injured due to medical negligence, you must immediately speak with an experienced attorney.
Cerebral Palsy
It is a body condition in which the movement and muscle tone of the patient is affected. It is caused by brain damage, usually before or during birth. Because cerebral palsy is a permanent condition, it can often lead to lifelong disability and dependency.
Experts mention that some cases of cerebral palsy may result from medical malpractice. For example, suppose a doctor or other medical professional fails to monitor a pregnant woman properly. In that case, they may be unable to detect signs of potential problems that could lead to cerebral palsy. Oxygen deprivation or physical trauma can also cause cerebral palsy if birth is mishandled.
Erb’s Palsy
Erb’s palsy is a body condition in which the nerves that control the shoulder muscles are damaged. This can happen during childbirth if the baby’s head and neck are forced into an awkward position, stretching or tearing nerves. Medical experts mention that this damage may be permanent, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. While Erb’s palsy is not always caused by medical malpractice, it can be an example of such if it occurs due to a doctor or midwife’s negligence. For instance, if a doctor fails to monitor the baby’s position during delivery properly or if they use excessive force when delivering the baby, this could result in Erb’s palsy.
Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia is a potentially severe complication during childbirth when the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone. Though doctors might not be able to prevent shoulder dystocia most of the time, it is important for medical professionals to be aware of the risk factors and to take steps to reduce the chances of it occurring.
However, shoulder dystocia can occur in some cases despite all safety precautions. When this happens, it may be considered an example of medical malpractice. If the medical professionals involved did not take appropriate steps to avoid or manage the shoulder dystocia, they might be liable for any resulting injuries or complications.
In addition, if the mother or baby suffers from any long-term health problems due to shoulder dystocia, the medical professionals may also be held responsible.
Nerve Damage
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, birth-related nerve damage is relatively common, affecting between two and three percent of newborns. While most cases are mild and resolved independently, some babies suffer from more severe injuries that can lead to lifelong disability.
In some cases, nerve damage during childbirth may be an example of medical malpractice. If a healthcare provider fails to take appropriate precautions during the delivery process, they may put the baby at risk for nerve damage. For instance, if they use excessive force when pulling the baby out of the birth canal or fail to monitor the baby’s heartbeat during labor properly, this could result in permanent nerve damage.
These four types of birth injuries are often caused by medical malpractice. If you or your child has suffered from these birth injuries, you must speak with an experienced medical malpractice attorney. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options and can fight for the compensation you deserve.
