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The day the baby arrives is always one of the happiest days of our lives. But, finding out that the newborn has an injury is one of the most troubling things a new parent can experience. Birth injuries can range from mild to severe. At first, we just want to know that everything is going to be alright. But beyond that, if medical malpractice or neglect caused the injury, disappointment will arise and anger will soon follow.

Medical Malpractice – Most Common Birth Injuries
Certainly, we do not expect medical professionals to hurt those we intend to love. We trust them, but, sometimes they fail us resulting in harm.

Brain Injury – Due to pressures during birth, the baby may suffer bleeding in the brain or surrounding structures. Medical malpractice is a common cause of brain injury during birth.

Bone Fractures – Babies that begin in the breech position and babies that are particularly large, suffer higher incidence of bone fractures.

Oxygen Deprivation – When the baby undergoes a lack of oxygen during delivery, physical and mental injury is sometimes the result. Depending upon duration, effects can range from mild to severe and even death.

Spinal Cord Damage – Babies who are born prematurely or at a low birth weight are more likely to suffer injury to the spinal cord or sustain cranial nerve damage.

Peripheral Nerve Damage – Also called brachial plexus injury, with this injury, nerve damage restricts arm and hand movement. Fortunately, this condition usually improves but can be permanent if the nerve was completely severed.

Without a doubt, birth injuries increase when medical staff fails to properly perform their duties. Health care providers who fail to correctly address issues like prolonged labor, premature delivery and breech birth cause harm to infants. In addition, failing to properly perform instrumental deliveries like “suction cup” births can cause damage to the baby.

Many birth injuries can be prevented with proper care. If your baby was harmed because of medical malpractice, please contact Richard A. Shallcross and Associates immediately.
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