Birth Injury: Some Causes and What You Should Do

Lack of oxygen is probably the cause for the most common of all birth injuries. Failure to recognize the need for a caesarian section (or mother refusing) is one of the major causes of brain damage that results in life- altering conditions such as cerebral palsy. There are a number of reasons why oxygen deprivation can occur. The baby may be in a difficult position such as a breach (feet first). Baby may be too big to pass through the birth canal. This is common enough if the mother is particularly small, or the baby is big due to diabetes or any other cause. A competent doctor or midwife should be aware of these issues and ready to deal with them quickly.

Avulsions can occur when medical instruments are not used correctly. Instruments such as tongs or vacuums that are designed to bring a baby out safely can tear off eyelids, ears and even limbs leaving a child with often permanent damage.

If you have a child who has suffered a birth injury it is important to get not only medical but legal advice too. Many birth injuries incur ongoing costs in terms of medical care, home care and extra educational assistance. Both the child and parents are entitled to compensation for any pain and suffering whether it is short term or long term. If something happens to your child during the birth process it makes sense to get help. You can’t change what happened but you can at least get some compensation to help your family through.

This article is not legal advice.
Supplementary Legal Tools: Long Island Birth Injury Lawyer Elan Wurtzel. Serving the entire New York area.