Birth Trauma
Birth Trauma can be a form of medical malpractice. Each year in the United States, approximately two million infants suffer from birth trauma during delivery. Birth trauma can cause mild and temporary injuries and impairments or may result in devastating injuries, permanent impairment, or even death. In many cases birth trauma is an unforeseen and unpreventable tragedy. In other cases, birth trauma is the result of medical error, malpractice, and negligence. When a medical professional fails to prevent birth trauma, in a situation where he/she has the power to do so, they can be held liable for all injuries and thus suffer the results. Unfortunately, there are a number of serious injuries that can develop as a result of birth trauma.
- Brachial Plexus Palsy
- Erb's Palsy
- Cerebral Palsy
- Shoulder Dystocia
- Birth Injuries
Shoulder dystocia is a common type of birth trauma occurring when a child's shoulder becomes impacted on the mother's pelvis during birth. While this birth trauma may not be preventable, adherence to medical protocol can correct the problem or mitigate the harm caused during this birth complication. When a medical professional fails to prevent damage in a shoulder dystocia case, the birth trauma can cause Erb's Palsy or brachial plexus palsy, conditions which affect the nerves to the upper extremities.
When birth trauma cuts the supply of blood or oxygen to the baby's brain or produces any other type of brain injury, the child can develop a chronic condition called cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a set of conditions that hinder the body's ability to adequately control body movement and muscle coordination. While the precise cause of cerebral palsy is often unknown, many cases of cerebral palsy are the result of preventable birth trauma.
Common Causes
- Inadequate Prenatal Care
- Forceful Birthing Techniques, i.e. use of vacuum or forceps
Medical Malpractice 