McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates, P.A.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Common Birth Injuries
There are a number of possible birth injuries that can result from problems during the natural birth process. The more common injuries include:
Brain Damage
Other Injuries
The lawyers at McWhirter, Bellinger, & Associates, P.A. are experienced in birth injury cases. Please call 1-800-694-0994 or visit their website today for your free consultation. Their offices are conveniently located in Aiken, Camden, Columbia, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, and Sumter, South Carolina.
- Brachial Plexus Palsy – damage to the nerve bundle near the shoulder, caused by shoulder dystocia. Symptoms of damage may include one-sided arm weakness or paralysis, diaphragm paralysis, and eye paralysis. Shoulder dystocia is caused when an infant’s shoulder is lodged in the birth canal and the nerves become stretched, often when a vacuum or forceps are used to assist the delivery.
- Erb’s Palsy – symptoms include the absence of the Moro reflex, little or no movement in the arm or hand, and a weak or absent grip on the affected side. Brain damage is also possible. The prominent injury is usually to the upper arm.
- Klumpke Paralysis – symptoms include weakness in the infant’s hand, no grasp reflex, and an opposite side eyelid droop. If this doesn’t resolve naturally, permanent deformities of the limb or stunted growth can result.
Brain Damage
- Asphyxia Neonatorum is decreased oxygen in the baby’s bloodstream due to the infant’s failure to breathe at birth. It is sometimes associated with a crimped umbilical cord. Asphyxia can result in brain damage, cerebral palsy, and even death if not treated immediately.
- Kernicterus is brain damage caused by jaundice at birth, when blood bilirubin levels are high enough to move into the brain cells. It can cause cerebral palsy, hearing, vision, tooth, and neurological damage.
- Perinatal Stroke is a stroke that occurs in an infant right after birth. It damages brain cells that control muscle tone and movement and is the most common cause of cerebral palsy.
Other Injuries
- Fractured Bones can occur from breech deliveries, shoulder dystocia, or the use of too much force in assisting the delivery. Broken collar bones and long bones (arms and legs) are the most frequent fractures.
- Skin Problems can result from the use of forceps or suction. Injuries can range from minor bruising to hematomas. Paralysis of nerves to the mouth, throat, and salivary glands often result in drooling and skin irritations, which may ultimately need treatment.
The lawyers at McWhirter, Bellinger, & Associates, P.A. are experienced in birth injury cases. Please call 1-800-694-0994 or visit their website today for your free consultation. Their offices are conveniently located in Aiken, Camden, Columbia, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, and Sumter, South Carolina.
posted by
Patti
at
9:32 AM
With offices in Aiken, Camden, Columbia, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, and Sumter, South Carolina, our personal injury lawyers are ready to serve you. Call us today at 1-800-694-0994.
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