Birth Injuries & Medical Negligence

Birth injuries are injuries that occur during the labor and delivery process, usually as a result of complications or medical negligence. While many births go smoothly without any problems, some infants may experience trauma during birth that leads to injury.

Common birth injuries include:
1. Brachial plexus injuries: This type of injury occurs when the nerves in the shoulder and arm are damaged during birth. It can cause weakness or paralysis in the affected arm.
2. Cerebral palsy: This is a condition that affects movement and coordination, and can be caused by brain damage during birth. Cerebral palsy can range from mild to severe, and can affect one or more limbs.
3. Facial nerve injuries: Sometimes, the facial nerve can be damaged during birth, leading to temporary or permanent facial paralysis.
4. Caput succedaneum: This is a swelling of the soft tissues of the scalp that occurs during a difficult delivery. It usually resolves on its own within a few days.
5. Fractures: Infants can sometimes suffer fractures during birth, particularly of the clavicle (collarbone).

In many cases, birth injuries are preventable with proper medical care. However, medical negligence or malpractice can sometimes lead to injuries that could have been avoided. Medical negligence during childbirth can take many forms and can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

1. Failure to monitor the mother and baby: Healthcare providers have a duty to monitor the mother and baby throughout the labor and delivery process to identify any signs of distress or complications. Failure to do so can result in injuries such as oxygen deprivation, which can lead to brain damage and cerebral palsy.
2. Failure to perform a timely C-section: In some cases, a C-section may be necessary to ensure the safe delivery of a baby. If a healthcare provider fails to perform a timely C-section, the baby may suffer injuries such as oxygen deprivation, which can lead to brain damage and cerebral palsy.
3. Incorrect use of forceps or vacuum extractors: Healthcare providers may use forceps or vacuum extractors to help deliver a baby who is having difficulty. However, incorrect use of these tools can cause injuries such as skull fractures or nerve damage.
4. Failure to diagnose and treat maternal infections: Certain infections, such as Group B strep, can be passed from the mother to the baby during childbirth and can cause serious harm if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
5. Overuse of labor-inducing drugs: Healthcare providers may use drugs to induce labor, but overuse of these drugs can cause complications such as oxygen deprivation and fetal distress.
If medical negligence occurs during childbirth and results in a birth injury, the healthcare provider or hospital may be held liable for damages.

Messa & Associates, P.C. has the legal expertise to pursue your child’s claims under complicated legal theories. Our team of Philadelphia personal injury lawyers understands that the emotional, physical, and financial losses that result from injuries to your child can be overwhelming and unexpected.

If your child has suffered a traumatic injury due to negligence, medical malpractice or a defective product, contact us today at 1-877-MESSALAW.