Most parents have one wish for their newborn child – for him or her to be healthy. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for the negligent actions of a medical professional to ruin that hope and, oftentimes, newborn babies sustain injuries that are actually preventable. If you suspect your baby was injured during the delivery process as a result of subpar medical care, reach out to an experienced birth injury attorney to learn more about your legal options. You might be entitled to fair and just compensation.
Below is a list of some of the most common birth injuries that occur due to medical negligence:
- Brachial plexus injuries: These injuries, which occur when the bundle of nerves that is responsible for moving the arms and hands, include Erb’s palsy and Klumpke’s palsy injuries. It commonly occurs when a physician pulls too hard or incorrectly while delivering the infant, damaging the brachial plexus.
- Facial paralysis: During the delivery period, if an infant’s face receives too much pressure, the facial nerves can sustain damage. This commonly occurs when the physician uses forceps or a vacuum extraction tool to deliver the baby. Symptoms of this injury include the inability to close the eye on the affected side or being unable to move the affected side. In cases where this injury is minor, these symptoms can clear up within a few weeks. However, in more severe cases, this could lead to total paralysis on the side of the face that is affected.
- Brain injuries: It is not uncommon for oxygen deprivation to occur during the delivery process. This can result in a vast array of medical issues, the most common of which is a brain injury. When an infant sustains a brain injury, disorders like cerebral palsy and chronic seizures can occur. Common ways in which a baby can experience oxygen deprivation include a prolapsed umbilical cord or remaining in the birth canal for too long.
- Fractures: The most common fracture injury occurs on the clavicle as a result of the physician pulling too hard on the infant when it is in the breech position. This type of fracture can also occur when the shoulder is pulled with too much force during a difficult and prolonged delivery. Fortunately, this injury tends to heal within about 10 days.
- Cephalohematoma: This is an injury that causes bleeding beneath the cranium, usually directly beneath the cranial bones. It typically appears several hours after birth when a raised bump appears on top of the infant’s head. The most common cause of cephalohematoma is the use of birth-assistance tools.
- Caput succedaneum: This type of injury develops as the infant makes its way through the birth canal, resulting in extreme swelling of the soft tissues in an infant’s scalp. It commonly occurs when a physician improperly uses the vacuum extraction tool.
CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED TULSA BIRTH INJURY ATTORNEY!
If you believe your baby suffered a birth injury that was caused by the negligent or careless actions of a medical professional, you need to obtain skilled legal representation as soon as possible. At Richardson Richardson Boudreaux, PLLC, our Tulsa birth injury attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and insight to effectively represent you and ensure you are able to secure the compensation you deserve.
Begin your birth injury case today and call our legal team at 918-492-7674 to request a complimentary case review with one of our compassionate attorneys.