Birth injuries are one of the worst fears of any expectant mother. Every woman wants to birth a healthy child, and it can be devastating to learn of any complications during delivery. Unfortunately, sometimes, women may have to face the reality of having a baby with health complications. Birth injuries are usually evident immediately after delivery, from pale skin to difficulty breathing and abnormal neonatal reflexes.

In simple terms, a birth injury happens when a baby gets hurt during or close to delivery. There are many reasons why that may occur. However, many times, it’s as a result of a doctor or nurses’ negligence.

When medical practitioners cause birth injuries by disregarding the expected standard of care, they become liable to pay compensation. However, birth injury cases are extremely complicated, and one can hardly get by without help from a qualified birth injury attorney. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common types of birth injuries in Maryland.

What Causes Birth Injuries?

It’s important to note that birth injuries are different from congenital disabilities. Congenital disabilities are due to the child’s genetic predisposition to certain abnormalities or disorders. On the other hand, birth injuries may occur as a result of any of the following:

• Medical Malpractice or Negligence

There are many ways a health practitioner can be liable for a child’s birth injuries. For example, they may have neglected to foresee likely complications or failed to attend to emergencies properly. Possible culprits in such cases include OBG/YNs, nurses and midwives, ultrasound technicians, etc.

• Maternal Conditions 

Certain maternal conditions increase the risk of birth injuries. For example, sometimes, a mother’s abnormally shaped pelvis can cause birth complications. In addition, other maternal conditions like post-term pregnancy and obesity can cause birth injuries.

• Premature Birth

Babies who are born long before their expected delivery dates are at high risk of developing complications during birth. That’s because their organs are not fully developed.

• Oxygen Deprivation

When a baby’s lungs are not fully developed, it can easily get deprived of enough oxygen. Another major cause of oxygen deprivation is a prolapsed umbilical cord.

What Are the Most Common Malpractice-Induced Birth Injuries in Maryland?

Many types of birth injuries may arise from a medical practitioner’s recklessness. The major ones are:

• Erb’s Palsy

Erb’s palsy happens when the brachial plexus nerves that are responsible for arm movements get damaged. This can result in permanent arm paralysis.

• Cerebral Palsy

A child with cerebral palsy has limited brain functionality. The baby’s brain cannot communicate with the rest of the body parts properly. As a result, it may affect the infant’s movement and muscular coordination.

• Spinal Cord Injuries 

A baby’s spinal cord is very delicate. Therefore, any damage to an infant’s spinal cord can cause paralysis.

• Birth Asphyxia

Birth asphyxia is a birth injury due to a lack of proper blood or oxygen flow to the brain. Many times, it’s due to umbilical cord complications.

• Facial Paralysis 

When anyone exerts too much force on the baby’s face during delivery, it can hurt the child’s facial nerves.

• Subconjunctival Hemorrhage 

This happens when the blood vessels in the child’s eyes rupture during the birth process. In such cases, the baby’s white eyes turn bright red.

• Bone Fractures 

Some difficult delivery cases result in the baby fracturing some bones. Many of these bone fractures usually occur while delivering the baby’s shoulder.

How Do I Verify That a Birth Injury Was Due to Medical Malpractice?

At-fault medical personnel will hardly own up to their mistakes. So, if you suspect medical negligence in your child’s birth complications, it’s best to speak with a birth injury attorney. Your lawyer may direct you to another medical practitioner for a second opinion. They will also explore other methods of determining the cause of your child’s birth injuries.

Take Legal Action When a Negligent Medical Practitioner Hurts Your Child 

Birth injuries are extremely devastating for new parents. They equally have life-altering consequences for the affected baby. If your child’s injuries were due to a medical practitioner’s negligence, then your baby deserves justice. At Pinder Plotkin, LLC, we’ll ensure that such negligent doctors and nurses don’t get away scot-free.

Our experienced personal injury attorneys feel your pain and would fight your cause passionately. While you explore recovery options for your child, we’ll handle the legal battles on your behalf. We understand your financial predicament in this situation, and so, we’ll offer free consultation and a no-win-no-fee guarantee for your case. So, contact us for your free case review immediately.