Common Causes of Birth Injury
A birth injury can lead to lifelong complications, forever altering a child’s life. While some birth injuries are not preventable, others are caused by the negligence of a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional.
At Zucker & Regev, P.C., our attorneys help families affected by birth injuries seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
With this in mind, our attorneys would like to take a moment to consider some of the most common causes of birth injury in Brooklyn, NY, and how a medical malpractice lawsuit may be an option for recovering damages.
Size of the Baby
Larger babies, those who are around 9 pounds or more, are more likely to suffer injuries during birth.
This is because larger babies can have more difficulty fitting through the birth canal, increasing the risk of shoulder injuries and hypoxia (insufficient oxygen flow to the brain).
Prolonged Labor
Prolonged labor, sometimes called failure to progress, occurs when a baby is not born after around 20 hours of regular contractions.
Prolonged labor can increase risks to the baby, including:
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Low oxygen levels
- Overall distress to the baby
Premature Birth
Babies born prematurely (before 37 weeks) are more prone to injury as their skin and tissues are more fragile and need to be handled with great care.
Position of Baby During Birth
Ideally, babies should be head down at birth. When they are in a different position, such as feet down (breech) or face up (occiput posterior position), it can increase the risk of injuries during the birthing process.
Babies born in abnormal positions may get their heads stuck in the uterus, or suffer from shoulder injuries, oxygen deprivation, or death.
Cephalopelvic Disproportion
Cephalopelvic disproportion describes when the baby’s head is not compatible with the size and shape of the mother’s pelvis, leading to prolonged labor.
Without intervention, cephalopelvic disproportion can cause serious injuries in babies while also putting the mother at risk if medical intervention is not given.
Medical Errors or Neglect
Some birth injuries are caused by the negligence of a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional. Failure to properly monitor the baby and mother during birth, failure to respond to signs of distress, or misuse of birthing instruments can all lead to serious birth injuries or even death.
Seeking Damages Through a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
Birth injuries that have a permanent impact on a child and were caused by the negligence of a medical professional may be considered medical malpractice.
Brooklyn families who have been affected by birth injuries as a result of negligence may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Mental pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Contact the Birth Injury Attorneys of Zucker & Regev, P.C.
If you believe your child’s birth injury was caused by the negligence of a medical professional, it’s important to consult an attorney. The attorneys of Zucker & Regev, P.C. can review the details of your claim to determine if there are grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. To schedule a consultation, please call our Brooklyn office at (718) 624-1211.