Difficult deliveries may cause a baby to be injured during childbirth. Most of the time, common birth injuries are minor and do not cause long term damage. However, birth injuries can be quite severe, which can impact the child — and their family — for life.

Some birth injuries are unavoidable due to the circumstances of the childbirth. Normally, a fetus will be positioned facing backward and will be delivered head first. In some cases, the fetus will be in an abnormal position toward the end of pregnancy, which may lead to a difficult delivery.

Abnormal positions, such as breech or shoulder-first positions, may increase the risk of birth injuries.

Common birth injuries include head injuries, nerve injuries, fractured bones, and injuries to the skin and soft tissues. Head injuries are the most common type of injuries sustained at birth, and may include swelling, bruising or scratches.

Most of these common birth injuries resolve on their own within a few days or weeks, although some will require medical intervention.

Unfortunately, some injuries to the baby during birth may be caused by negligence or medical malpractice. Some common birth injuries that may be caused by medical malpractice include:

• Cerebral palsy. Children with cerebral palsy typically have weak muscles, muscle spasms, and a lack of motor skill development. This condition may be caused by medical malpractice, such as failing to properly monitor the mother while she is in labor and failing to monitor fetal distress during labor.

• Brachial plexus injury. This type of birth injury involves damage to the nerves that connect the upper spine to the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. Brachial plexus injuries can be minor or they can be quite severe.

• Spinal cord injury. Spinal cord injuries may be caused during birth if forceps are used in an overly forceful manner. This birth injury may cause the child to suffer neurological problems and paralysis.

• Brain injuries. If a medical professional fails to adequately monitor the baby during labor and after birth, they may not realize that the baby has experienced oxygen deprivation, which can cause brain injuries. Even mild oxygen deprivation can cause lasting damage, including physical problems or intellectual disabilities. Cerebral palsy or chronic seizures may also be caused by brain injuries.

• Intracranial hemorrhage. This type of birth injury involves bleeding in and around the brain. The condition may not cause any symptoms, but it can potentially lead the child to develop seizures or other health issues.

Parents should pay attention to symptoms that arise. Birth injuries can have lifelong consequences for children and their parents. They may require years of medical treatment, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other costs for treatment. Costly modifications to a home or vehicle may also be necessary to accommodate the child’s condition.

Filing a birth injury lawsuit

A growing number of parents are filing lawsuits over birth injuries, alleging medical negligence or malpractice. If your child suffered a birth injury, you may have a legal claim, and may be entitled to substantial compensation. Fill out the form on this page for free case review.

A birth injury lawyer can investigate your situation to determine whether medical negligence or malpractice may have contributed to your child’s birth injuries. You may be eligible to take legal action against those responsible and seek compensation to help you pay for your child’s medical needs.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.