Childbirth Injuries and Medical Malpractice

According to a study in 2006, every year, medical errors in the United States cause harm to roughly 1.5 million people across the country. Each year, approximately 28,000 babies are born with birth injuries. According to Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) data, the highest number of birth injuries is caused by the use of forceps or vacuums - 160.5 deliveries out of every 1,000. It is also revealed that over a period of one year, almost 157,700 injuries that are potentially avoidable are sustained by mothers and babies during childbirth.

Childbirth Injuries

There are many childbirth injuries that can be caused by medical malpractice. Some of the injuries that can affect newborns include:

· Caput Succedaneum - This is a condition in which there is swelling on the baby's scalp. Typically, this swelling is caused when there is pressure on the baby's head during a prolonged or difficult head-first labor. It can also be caused when delivery is done with the use of vacuum extraction process. In some cases, visible bruising can come with the swelling, but the condition usually last just a few days.

· Erb's Palsy - Brachial plexus birth palsy, medically known by many as Erb's Palsy, is a childbirth injury that affects the baby's nerve. This happens if the infant's shoulder or neck is stretched a little too far during delivery. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 1 to 2 babies out of every 1,000 are affected by Erb's Palsy. In some cases, babies may need to undergo physical therapy while in others, surgery may be required if there is little or no improvement within 3 to 6 months.

· Cephalohematoma - This is another type of birth injury that can be caused by vacuum extraction. When a baby has cephalohematoma, there is collection of blood between the skin and the cranial bone. This condition can be a forerunner to jaundice. However, the good news is that it usually goes away within a few weeks to 3 months.

· Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) - When a baby's brain does not get enough oxygen flow, it can develop HIE. This condition can lead to developmental problems, the death of brain cells, epilepsy, brain damage, cerebral palsy, and even death in cases where the condition does not abate.

A Law Firm for You

If your child was injured during delivery due to a mistake or error made by a doctor, nurse, or any other medical professional, you should immediately seek the help of an experienced medical malpractice attorney at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff, & Wolff of RMFW Law at 212-344-1000.

The first meeting with us is free. If you have a viable case, RMFW Law will let you know. We charge you nothing up front. We only take a percentage of the final verdict or settlement. What is your side of the story? Give us a call 212-344-1000, let us take it from there.