Birth Injuries Remain Prevalent in the US

For most families, the arrival of a child is an exciting and joyous time. Nights are instantly filled with cuddles and days packed with "oohs" and "ahhs," as loved ones cycle through to look upon the newborn. This is how it should be, yet every year, approximately 28,000 families are robbed of this happiness due to birth injury. For them, these delights are replaced with hospital stays, fear for the health of their child, and sympathy, rather than awe, from onlookers. Medical bills begin to pile up and parents are forced into difficult decisions about whether they should be with their other children, back at work, or with their fragile little one. In 134 of each 100,000 live births, families are left to make funeral arrangements when they should be planning a life. All of this is due to harm that is caused during labor and delivery, and it can be prevented. Shoulder Dystocia When a baby is large or the mother has a small pelvis, the baby may not be able to pass through the canal and delivery stalls. According to the CDC,in as many as 15-percent of vaginal deliveries, shoulder dystocia occurs. The doctor must not only recognize it immediately, but also act to rectify the situation instantly. During these precious moments, the umbilical cord can be compressed and the baby can be without oxygen. Emergency Treatment If caught quickly, shoulder dystocia may be remedied by having the mother assume alternate birthing positions that widen her pelvis. These non-invasive methods often work rapidly, and effectively, to deliver the baby. However, if the mother isn't guided into a new position, or it doesn't happen fast enough, the results can be grave. In situations where opening the pelvis is not effective, the doctor must swiftly begin more invasive methods that will aid the delivery process. Devices like forceps and vacuums can be used to help guide the baby through the canal, but not without risk of stretching the baby's neck. Fractures and nerve damage occur in as much as 30-percent of all shoulder dystocia cases as a result of mechanical manipulation. The risk of head trauma is also high, and contusions and scratches are common as well. Depending on the baby's condition, an emergency caesarian section may be indicated. Consequences When intervention goes as planned, a healthy baby is delivered. When it doesn't, the results are catastrophic. Some conditions that may be caused by a doctor's negligence include:

• Brachial plexus palsy
• Brain Damage
• Cerebral palsy
• Erb's palsy
• Facial paralysis
• Fractures
• Intrauterine hypoxia (asphyxiation)
• Klumpke paralysis (Klumpke's palsy)
• Spinal cord damage
• Death

These are only a few of the possible medical complications that can occur when a doctor is not vigilant or fails to act quickly. During this time, great harm can come to the mother as well, and families can be devastated by loss or by the continued medical needs of two members.

Charleston Birth Injury Attorney

When a child is harmed during delivery, he often requires a lifetime of care. This puts an economical and emotional strain on caregivers, too. When this is occurs because a medical professional fails, compensation may be due to both the victim and the victim's family. If your child was hurt, or has passed away, as a result of medical negligence,speak with one of our attorneys now by calling 1(800)610-2546, or tell us about your case using our online form.