Birth Injuries

A birth injury generally refers to physical trauma or damage to a baby that occurs as a result of some event during labor and childbirth. Birth injuries range from minor bumps and bruises to major damage to nerves and the brain.

The most common birth injuries are:

• Labor and delivery errors

• Cesarean section errors

• Failing to monitor the fetal heart monitor

• Trauma

• Infection

• Not managing gestational diabetes

• Improper resuscitation

• Failing to manage inherently high-risk pregnancies

Birth injuries can result in:

• Cerebral palsy
• Brachial plexus injury
• Hypoxic encephalopathy
• Injury to the mother
• Neonatal encephalopathy

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) about 7 in every 1,000 children will suffer from a birth injury.

In many cases, it is the failure to monitor the baby during gestation, labor, or delivery.  For instance, A cesarean section (or C-section) is the surgical delivery of a baby through an incision of the mother’s belly and uterus.  A C-section is a necessary option when the risk of natural birth is significant to either the baby or the mother.  The obstetrician often fails to schedule a C-section even though it is the best course.  There are many situations where the baby is in fetal distress, and there is a short window to prevent a tragic irreversible brain injury.

In addition to claims for pain and suffering, there will be a claim for all of the past medical bills and future medical bills.  To understand what your child may need in the form of healthcare in the future, we hire a Life Care Planner.  This Expert will be able to testify as to the Cost of Future Care after carefully reviewing all of the evidence.  The medical expert will consider all of the medical recommendations and opinions of the specialist caring for the child.  This plan will compute costs for medications, therapy, doctor’s visits, counseling, home modifications, and other expenses.  This report is vital in all birth injury cases.