Fact Sheet About Birth Injury
A birth injury refers to any injury that is sustained by a newborn/fetus during the birthing process. According to an article published in the journal Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, the rate of birth trauma (birth injury) in the United States has been reported to range between 0.2 and 37 birth traumas per 1,000 live births. Further, other facts about birth injuries include:
- The three most common types of birth injuries are injuries to the scalp, other injuries to the skeleton, and fractures to the clavicle;
- The risk of birth injury is higher when birthing tools, such as forceps or vacuum extractors, are used, according to Medscape; and
- Nearly 50 percent of birth traumas are potentially avoidable.
If your baby is injured during the birthing process in New Jersey, and if that harm would not have occurred but for an error made on the part of medical professional, you need legal help.
Birth Injury Videos
Common Types of Injuries Caused During Birth
When a baby is not delivered properly in New Jersey, trauma to the baby is often the result. In addition to the injury types listed above, the most common types of birth injuries include:
Soft tissue injuries
According to the same Medscape article cited above, soft tissue injuries are one of the most common birth injury types. Soft tissue injuries include cephalhematoma, subgaleal hematoma, caput succedaneum, abrasions and lacerations, and subcutaneous fat necrosis. These injuries are most often caused by the use of birthing tools, excessive force, or physician error.
Brachial plexus injuries
The brachial plexus is a collection of nerves found in the shoulder. During birth, particularly when the baby is breech or is suffering from shoulder dystocia (the baby’s shoulder being caught behind the mother’s pelvis during delivery), a brachial plexus injury may occur when excessive force is exerted on the shoulder/arm. A brachial plexus injury may result in arm weakness or paralysis, and is often associated with a number of other injury types (fractured clavicle, fractured humerus, facial palsy, etc.)
Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury may occur as a result of excessive traction or rotation, and is most common when a baby is breech in position. A spinal cord injury is one of the most tragic injury types, and may result in paralysis.
Traumatic brain injuries
In some cases, a baby may suffer a traumatic brain injury as a result of an error during the gestation or birthing process. For example, if a fetus is in distress, it may be deprived of oxygen, known as intrauterine asphyxia. If the prolonged deprivation of oxygen occurs – usually as a result of a physician’s failure to take quick action – brain trauma may occur.
Nerve injuries
A cranial nerve injury, facial nerve injury, or laryngeal nerve injury are all possible during the birthing process.
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Filing a claim against your baby’s doctor can be scary. At the law firm of Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C., we will help you to overcome any fears that you may have. Call us today or use our online form to request your free case consultation now.
Investigating Birth Injuries Requires Resources
Investigating the cause of birth injuries is complex. Often times, a healthcare professional or hospital will shirk responsibility in order to avoid liability for the injury. In order to get to the bottom of how the injury really occurred and the devastating effect of the injury, a thorough investigation is necessary. To conduct this investigation, you need a law firm with experience, resources, and passion.
During the investigation of a birth injury, medical experts are essential to proving both how the injury occurred and how the injury will affect a family in the future. In addition to medical and birthing experts, witnesses to the injury may also be called upon to testify. Further, medical specialists – such as an expert on cerebral palsy – may be necessary.
In addition to recruiting experts, the evidence that is collected during your case must be handled carefully and professionally. A large and seasoned staff with organizational and data preservation experience is key.
At the law firm of Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C., our New Jersey birth injury lawyers have the finances, resources, staff, and experience that is necessary to conduct a property investigation and that your case demands.
Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C. offers a FREE CONSULTATION.
Contact us today to discuss how we can helpRed Bank
127 Maple Avenue
Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone: (732) 747-9003
Fax: (215) 567-6019
Over 40 Years of Outstanding Results and Hundreds of Millions Recovered for Our Birth Injury Victims and Others
At the law firm of Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C., we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our birth injury victims and other clients. Some of our most notable case results include:
$14.5 Million
Recovery $14.5 million on the behalf of a child who would not have suffered a brain injury but for a physician’s negligence;
$3 million
Recovering $3 million on the behalf of a woman who suffered a stroke because healthcare professionals failed to diagnose her condition properly;
$7.5 million
Recovering $7.5 million on the behalf of a newborn and family. The newborn suffered from cerebral palsy due to medical negligence; and
$3.25 million
Recovering $3.25 million on the behalf of a patient who suffered blindness as a result of an anesthesia error.
While results in prior cases do not guarantee similar results in your case the following listing of recent case victories should hopefully provide you with the assurance that we are experienced and know how to get you the compensation you deserve.
