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While the United States has one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the world, birth injuries happen with alarming frequency. Research suggests there are about two birth injuries for every 1,000 live births nationwide, and many of these injuries could be prevented if doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals were more careful of their patients.
CDH Law PLLC proudly represents the families of children in New York with birth injuries. Our Syracuse, NY, birth injury attorneys can fight on your behalf for compensation for your child’s injuries and your related losses.
These are some of the most common types of birth injuries:
1. Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is the medical term for a group of disorders that affect a baby’s movement, balance, and posture. This condition is often the result of brain damage that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth due to complications like prolonged labor or a compressed umbilical cord. Short-term effects can include developmental delays, while long-term effects often include difficulty walking, speaking, or performing daily tasks.
2. Brachial Plexus Injury (Erb’s Palsy)
A brachial plexus injury affects the nerves that control movement in the shoulder, arm, and hand. This type of birth injury can occur when a baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone during delivery, a condition called shoulder dystocia. If doctors use too much force to free the shoulder, the nerves can stretch or tear. While some babies recover fully, severe brachial plexus injuries can result in permanent weakness or loss of function in the arm.
3. Fractures (Broken Bones)
Fractures, particularly broken collarbones, are some of the most common birth injuries. They frequently occur during difficult deliveries, especially when the baby is large or in an awkward position. Short-term effects include pain and limited movement, but most fractures heal quickly without long-term consequences. In more severe cases, untreated fractures can cause mobility problems or nerve damage.
4. Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a brain injury that results from oxygen deprivation during labor and delivery. Common causes include placental abruption or umbilical cord complications. The short-term effects of HIE can include seizures and developmental delays, while long-term effects may involve cognitive impairments, intellectual disabilities, and movement problems
5. Facial Nerve Damage
Facial nerve damage can occur when a baby experiences intense pressure on their face during delivery, often from the use of forceps or a vacuum extractor. This can cause partial or complete paralysis of the facial muscles, resulting in drooping or a lack of movement on one side of the face. In most cases, the injury heals on its own, but severe damage may cause long-term facial asymmetry or issues with speech and eating.
The Link Between Medical Malpractice and Birth Injuries
Proper monitoring and timely intervention during pregnancy and delivery are crucial in preventing birth injuries. Attentive care can minimize risks like oxygen deprivation, nerve damage, or fractures, reducing the likelihood of lasting effects on the child’s health and development. On the other hand, sloppy care or a lack of proper monitoring during pregnancy and labor can lead to birth injuries, particularly if doctors miss signs of distress in the mother or child.
If your child experienced a birth injury in Syracuse, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim against your doctor or another healthcare professional. Our Central New York medical malpractice lawyers can review your case, look for evidence of medical errors, and fight on your behalf for fair compensation. We have access to medical experts who can review your case to determine whether errors have been made, and we’ll engage them to prove your case if need be. Call CDH Law PLLC now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
Carden Dotzler Hammond, PLLC represents clients in Syracuse, Central New York, and in the following towns and villages of Onondaga County: Camillus, Cicero, Clay, Dewitt, Elbridge, Geddes, Manlius, Marcellus, Onondaga, Salina, Skaneateles, Baldwinsville, East Syracuse, Fayetteville, Jefferson County, Liverpool, North Syracuse, and Solvay.