Birth injuries are life-altering, leaving families overwhelmed with emotional, financial, and medical burdens. While some birth injuries are unavoidable, many are the result of medical negligence. This is where a birth injury lawyer in Philadelphia comes in—to help families seek the justice and financial compensation they deserve.
What Are Birth Injuries?
Birth injuries occur when an infant is harmed before, during, or after delivery. Some common injuries include:
- Brain damage from asphyxiation (lack of oxygen)
- Brachial plexus injuries, causing arm weakness or paralysis
- Cephalohematoma, a pooling of blood in the scalp
- Skull fractures, often due to the use of forceps or vacuum extraction
- Intracranial hemorrhages, which include bleeding in or around the brain
These injuries can range from mild and temporary to severe and life-long. Even more alarming is that many of these injuries could have been prevented with proper care.
A Snapshot of Birth Injuries
Each year, approximately 7 out of every 1,000 babies in the United States are born with a birth injury, according to the CDC. Some of these injuries are minor, but others lead to permanent disabilities or even death. Unfortunately, rural areas report a higher rate of birth trauma, and certain risk factors make injuries more likely, such as:
- Oversized babies
- Premature births
- Multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Use of forceps or vacuum extraction during delivery
- Mothers between ages 25 and 34 are at the highest risk for injury with assistive tools, while younger mothers (15–17 years old) are at higher risk during unassisted vaginal deliveries.
Common Birth Injuries
Understanding the types of birth injuries can help families recognize the signs early and seek the appropriate help. Here’s a breakdown of the most common injuries:
- Brachial Plexus Injuries: Affects about 2.5 per 1,000 live births. This injury occurs when the nerves in a baby’s neck are stretched during delivery, leading to weakness or paralysis in the arm.
- Cephalohematoma: A sub-periosteal collection of blood caused by forceps or vacuum extraction. It generally resolves on its own but can lead to complications such as calcification or infection.
- Subgaleal Hemorrhage: A rare but serious condition in which blood collects between the scalp and skull. If untreated, it can cause shock, organ failure, or death.
- Facial Nerve Injuries: Often caused by pressure during delivery, leading to partial or complete facial paralysis.
- Clavicle Fractures: The most common bone fracture during delivery, this injury usually heals on its own but requires monitoring.
If a birth injury is suspected, families should consult a birth injury lawyer in Philadelphia to explore their legal options.
How Negligence Leads to Birth Injuries
Many birth injuries are preventable. Medical errors or negligence during delivery can cause avoidable harm. For example:
Failure to monitor the baby’s oxygen levels , leading to brain damage from asphyxiation.
Improper use of delivery tools , such as forceps or vacuums, causing fractures or nerve damage.
Delayed C-sections in situations of fetal distress, which can lead to more serious complications for both the mother and the baby.
Medical professionals are trained to prevent such injuries, yet errors still happen. When a medical professional fails to meet the standard of care, they may be responsible for the resulting injury.
Legal Options for Families in Philadelphia
Families who have experienced a birth injury are not alone. A knowledgeable birth injury lawyer in Philadelphia can help by:
- Evaluating the case to determine if negligence was a factor
- Gathering medical records and expert testimony to build a strong case
- Filing a lawsuit on behalf of the family to seek compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and emotional suffering
The financial impact of caring for a child with a birth injury can be overwhelming. Legal representation can make a significant difference in helping families recover both financially and emotionally.
What to Do Next?
If you suspect that your child’s birth injury was due to medical negligence, it’s essential to act swiftly. With the help of a skilled birth injury lawyer in Philadelphia, you can hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the resources you need to care for your child.
Disclaimer: This blog serves as a guide for families facing the trauma of a birth injury. For personalized legal support, contact Bosworth Law at 267-928-4183.
