Causes of Birth Injuries

Labor and delivery of a child can place a great deal of stress on the baby and the mother, at times causing injury or damage. Certain conditions may increase the likelihood of a birth injury, putting your child at risk of suffering from injury or damage during labor or delivery. The doctors and medical professionals have a responsibility to monitor your condition as well as you baby’s to limit the chances of injury and ensure a safe and healthy delivery.

A birth injury can occur any time within the pregnancy, labor or delivery. While any baby is at risk for injury, there are circumstances that are known to increase the risk for injury.

Premature birth – A baby born before 37 weeks is considered premature. These babies typically have more fragile bodies and are easily injured.

Large babies – A baby weighing over 8 pounds, 13 ounces may be easily injured during delivery because of the additional stress a large baby places on the mother.

Dystocia – A term used to describe a difficult labor or childbirth, dystocia may include the baby’s shoulder becoming lodged behind the mother’s pelvic bone, known as shoulder dystocia.

Prolonged labor – A long labor increases the risk of injury.

Birthing position – An abnormal birthing presentation, such as breech delivery, places greater stress on the baby.

Anoxia – Because a lack of oxygen can have a serious effect on the baby, the supply of oxygen to the baby must be closely monitored. A baby that is deprived of oxygen has a much greater chance of sustaining a serious brain injury.

Cephalopelvic Disproportion – Because of the size and shape of the mother’s pelvis, the baby cannot be born vaginally.

Improper Use of forceps or vacuum extraction – These instruments can easily damage the fragile body of a newborn, especially when used improperly or hastily.

Umbilical Cord Entrapment – When the baby becomes tangled with the umbilical cord, the risk of injury increases. To prevent the baby from oxygen deprivation, the doctor must closely monitor the situation. Negligence in this situation can lead to brain injuries caused by a lack of oxygen.

Inadequate care during pregnancy – Negligence by doctors or mothers to care for the baby in pre-natal stages can greatly increase the likelihood of birth injury or disease. By monitoring the baby during the pregnancy, a doctor may be able to foresee any problems that could put the baby or mother at risk.

Our aggressive lawyers have experience representing seriously injured infants and their families and we have recovered over $75 million for our clients. You need the representation of a law firm that will fight to hold those responsible accountable for their actions and recover the highest amount of damages for you to assist you with the care and treatment of your baby’s injury.

IF YOUR BABY HAS SUFFERED A BIRTH INJURY, CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED BIRTH INJURY LAWYER AT NADRICH & COHEN, LLP TODAY FOR YOUR
FREE CASE EVALUATION!

1-800-718-4658