An Overview of Birth Injuries and Trauma
A birth injury is defined as any trauma or injury sustained during the course of being born. They range in seriousness from minor bruising to severe infant brain damage. Many can be treated in the hospital or heal on their own in a few days or weeks. Some, however, result in lifelong disability. The most severe trauma can cause stillbirth or the premature death of a child.
Signs and symptoms of a birth injury vary according to the type and severity of the condition. They may be subtle, such as the slight favoring of one side of the body over the other, so it is important to document any abnormalities you experience.
How Common Are Birth Injuries?
Estimates are that birth injuries occur in five to seven out of every 1,000 births. Although there are many types of birth injury, the most common include:
- Cerebral palsy
- Infant brain injury
- Shoulder dystocia
- Erb's palsy
- Brachial plexus injury
- Facial paralysis
- Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)
- Cephalohematoma
- Meconium aspiration
- Cortical blindness
- Untreated jaundice
- Folic acid disorder
- Late term miscarriage
- Fractures
- Bruising
- Caput succedaneum
- Retinopathy
- Paralysis
Causes and Symptoms of Birth Injury
Unlike a birth defect, which involves harm that arose during the pregnancy, a birth injury is caused by complications during the birthing process. These may be anything from a prolonged labor to hospital or medical staff errors. Sadly, many babies would be born completely healthy had these complications not occurred. Symptoms of birth injury include:
- Paralysis
- Unresponsiveness
- Bruising
- Deformities
- Developmental delays
- Extreme sleepiness
- Excessive crying
- Poor muscle control
Find Out More
The Birth Injury Team is a subsidiary of Silvers, Langsam & Weitzman, P.C., made up of experienced attorneys and medical professionals. Our lawyers have more than 100 years of combined experience handling birth injury cases. We are dedicated to helping parents understand their child's condition and guiding them through the process of securing the care and support they need.
To discuss your needs with one of our professionals, contact our office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. We serve clients across the United States.
