Although not every birth injury has its root from medical negligence or malpractice, unfortunately, a majority of these cases could have been avoided with cautious medical care. A recent survey carried out by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention comprised a detailed list of the most popular types of birth injuries. If you have been in a birth injury, you can call on a birth accident lawyer to point you in the right direction regarding finding justice. Here are some common birth injuries:
Brachial Palsy Injuries
A Brachial palsy injury may include Erb’s palsy with Klumpke’s palsy. This injury usually occurs when the brachial plexus (the nerves responsible for the movement of the arms get punctured). The primary reason for this type of harm is shoulder dystocia (a health issue that occurs when a newborn’s shoulders stay trapped in between its mother’s pelvic bone during the delivery process). When a doctor pulls too hard or wrongly during delivery, it can cause harm to the brachial plexus.
Facial Paralysis
During the period of delivery, an infant’s face might have excessive pressure on it, inevitably resulting in a damaged nerve. This kind of injury is more prevalent when physicians try to use forceps or vacuums to extract the baby out. Symptoms may include improper movement of the eye on the affected side of the face; there is often no movement at all on the side of the affected face. If this injury is not too critical, it will clear up within a few periods. More severe cases can lead to total paralysis on that side of the affected face.
Brain Injuries
Shortage of oxygen, unfortunately, occurs mostly during delivery, it can also lead to a lot of problems. Whenever an infant is suffering from a brain injury, a lot of other medical issues may follow, such as chronic seizures and cerebral palsy. Oxygen deprivation may occur if a doctor refuses to adequately and immediately monitor an infant after birth, from the umbilical cord problems like a prolapsed cord, or allowing the baby to stay in the birth canal for too long. Experts believe that a mild oxygen deprivation can cause serious consequences, like intellectual disabilities or long-term physical problems.
Fractures
A fracture of the clavicle is the most known type of fracture in childbearing. This kind of birth injury mainly occurs when the physician in charge of the delivery, pulls the infant very hard while in a breech position. Also, it can happen if the shoulder is pulled during a challenging and prolonged delivery. Children cannot easily move the arm on the side of a fracture. The good news is that this kind of fracture always heals. Most times within ten days.
Cephalohematoma
Cephalohematoma is any injury associated with any bleeding under the cranium, most time, directly below the cranial bones. It often appears many hours after the birth, when a bump shows at the top of an infant’s head.
Caput succedaneum
This is another injury known for severe swelling of the soft tissues in an infant’s scalp. It usually grows as infants make their way down the birth canal. The primary reason for this is the inappropriate use of vacuums and another extraction tool. Swelling reduces within the day after the injury.
Finally, people who have suffered any of the above issues can seek the assistance of an Austin Birth Accident Lawyer. Call Briggle & Polan, PLLC or contact us online for a free consultation.
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