Okemos Birth Injury Lawyers

What is a Birth Injury?

A birth injury is an injury that occurs to a baby during the labor and delivery process. Birth injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including natural complications, genetic conditions, and medical negligence. When a birth injury is caused by the negligence of a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional, the parents may be able to file a medical malpractice claim.

Some of the most common types of birth injuries include:

• Cerebral Palsy: A group of disorders affecting movement and muscle coordination. It can result from brain damage before, during, or shortly after birth due to oxygen deprivation, infections, or other complications.
• Brachial Plexus Injuries: These affect the nerves controlling the arms and hands, often due to excessive pulling or stretching during birth, leading to conditions like Erb's palsy or Klumpke's palsy.
• Caput Succedaneum: This is the swelling of a newborn's scalp, typically caused by pressure or trauma during delivery.
• Cephalohematoma: Bleeding between the skull and its covering (periosteum), resulting in a lump on the baby's head. It often resolves on its own.
• Facial Paralysis: Pressure on a baby's face during birth can cause facial nerve damage, resulting in temporary or, rarely, permanent paralysis.
• Fractures: Bone fractures, often the clavicle or collarbone, can occur during difficult deliveries.
• Intracranial Hemorrhage: Bleeding within the baby's skull can lead to various complications, depending on the location and severity.
• Perinatal Asphyxia: Insufficient oxygen supply to the baby during birth can lead to brain damage and other health issues.
• Hypoxic-ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): This results from oxygen deprivation to the brain, potentially causing long-term neurological problems.
• Subconjunctival Hemorrhage: Bleeding in the baby's eye, usually due to pressure changes during delivery, often resolving without treatment.
• Perinatal Stroke: Strokes occurring around the time of birth can lead to brain damage and various neurological issues.
• Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH): Bleeding into the brain's ventricles, often occurring in premature babies due to the fragility of blood vessels.
• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels in newborns, which can lead to seizures, developmental delays, and other complications.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: These can occur due to excessive force during delivery, leading to damage in the spinal cord and subsequent neurological issues.
• Skull Fractures: In rare cases, the pressure exerted during birth can cause fractures in the baby's skull.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Tears, bruising, or damage to soft tissues (muscles, ligaments) during birth can lead to discomfort or limited movement for the newborn.
• Birth-related Infections: Infections contracted during delivery can lead to various complications for the newborn.