When a child experiences a birth injury, parents are faced with many issues to tackle. Filled with confusion and grief, it is hard to know what to do when your child experiences a serious injury during birth. There are several types of common birth injuries that parents should be aware of.
Head and Brain Injury
The head is one of the most delicate body parts of a new born baby. In most births, the head is the first to enter the birth canal, resulting in more stain and pressure on the skull. Several things that can happen: Cephalohematomas, skull fractures and internal hemorrhaging.
Cephalohematomas is an accumulation of blood below the covering of one of the skull bones. These may increase in size after birth, but they do not need treatment and clear up within a few weeks or months. Skull fractures are rarer. They can develop into a depressed fracture, but most heal quickly on their own. Internal hemorrhaging of the brain is caused by ruptured blood vessels in the skull. When this happens, it can result in seizures, poor appetite and may be lethargic. It is a higher concern to make sure that the baby receives the correct medical care and develops correctly during such a young age.
Nerve Injury
Nerve injuries are rare. Most are caused by how the baby is delivered. The use of forceps, overstretching or how the baby sits in the birth canal can all result in nerve damage. Many nerves will heal on their own after several months, but any injuries to the spinal cord can result in paralysis.
Perinatal Asphyxia
Perinatal Asphyxia means that the baby experiences a loss of oxygen in the blood supply before they are born. This can cause many problems such as kidney function, seizures, comas, learning disorders, delayed development and cerebral palsy. Asphyxia in new born babies can be life threatening and should be monitored.
Bone, Skin and Tissue Injury
During birth, many babies experience minor injuries due to the delivery. Even though many of these fractures, bruises and swelling are common, it is best to make sure that the baby properly heals. While some injuries may heal on their own, even a “minor” injury could lead to long-term complications.
What Are Your Legal Rights?
If your child suffers from a birth injury, it is important to have access to all of the information and legalities surrounding it. Caring for a child with a birth injury can cost a lifetime of treatments, taking a toll on the family. You may be eligible for compensation if the condition resulted from medical negligence. Contact an experienced attorney at the Deratany Firm to advise you of your legal rights.