No parent ever wants to think about the possibility of their child being injured during birth. Unfortunately, birth injuries do happen, and they can have a profound impact on a family. If you’re a parent in Philadelphia, it’s important to know some basic information about birth injuries so that you can be prepared if something does happen and consult a professional Philly birth injury lawyer for settlement amounts. Here are some important things to keep in mind.

What Is A Birth-Related Injury

A birth-related injury occurs when a baby is injured during labor or at  birth. This type of trauma can involve a physical, neurological, or psychological injury that the baby suffered while being delivered.

Birth-related injuries can range in severity. Some may heal with time but others can involve permanent disability or even death. Parents need to understand what birth-related injuries are and how to recognize potential signs so that appropriate steps can be taken if their newborn is in danger.

Why Need To Contact Birth Injury Lawyers In Philadelphia?

In a medical negligence case, it is essential to prove that healthcare providers failed to uphold accepted standards of care that caused an infant’s injury or developmental disorder. An experienced Philadelphia birth injury lawyer with expertise in birth trauma cases can help establish fault on the part of healthcare professionals.

With guidance from such an attorney, parents will identify and pursue possible sources of compensation related to medical bills, hospitalization, and long-term disability care expenses associated with a birth injury.

A reliable firm of birth injury attorneys can help families navigate the legal complexities of securing both justice and necessary financial resources for their child’s needs.

●    When to File a Birth Injury Lawsuit

A birth injury lawsuit should be filed immediately when there is proof of medical malpractice or negligence that caused harm to the child or mother during pregnancy, delivery or postpartum care.

What Lead To Birth Injuries?

Birth injuries can occur due to a variety of factors, most commonly medical negligence or a difficult birth process. The use of forceps and vacuum pressure during delivery may increase the risk of birth injury.

Premature births (delivery before 37 weeks) can also be more likely to lead to birth injuries due to the baby being more fragile. Additionally, genetics and pre-existing health conditions can make it more likely that a baby will suffer from trauma like a broken bone during delivery, as well as increased incidences of infection or oxygen deprivation. Other factors include:

  • Inadequate Staffing Levels
  • Lack Of Appropriate Medical Care
  • Use Of Incorrect Equipment
  • Cephalopelvic Disproportion
  • Difficult Birth Process

Common Types of Birth-Related Injuries

Birth-related injuries can consist of a variety of different physical injuries that are caused due to difficult labor processes or medical negligence shortly after the birth process. Common types of birth-related injuries include:

  • Caput Succedaneum: It is swelling on the baby’s scalp from pressure during passage through the birth canal.
  • Cephalohematoma: It is a pooled blood under the skin on the head due to the separation of cranial sutures when excessive force is applied.
  • Subconjunctival Bleeding: it results when a newborn’s delicate eyes receive too much pressure during delivery.
  • Facial Paralysis: Facial paralysis in childbirth refers to the temporary or permanent loss of muscle movement or control in the face resulting from injury or damage to the facial nerve during delivery.
  • Brachial Palsy: It occurs due to damage in shoulder muscles or stretching of muscles during delivery or improper positioning.
  • Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, And Cerebral Palsy: Brain injury, spinal cord injury, and cerebral palsy can occur as a result of complications during childbirth such as lack of oxygen to the baby or traumatic delivery, leading to permanent neurological damage and physical impairments.

How Do Parents Know If a Baby Suffered A Birth Injury?

Birth-related injuries can have a serious impact on the life of a child, which is why it’s important to be aware of the potential symptoms. Common signs of birth-related injuries include:

  • Facial Paralysis
  • Nerve Damage In The Arms And Legs
  • Seizures
  • Deafness
  • Excessive Sleepiness
  • Difficulty Feeding
  • Blindness
  • Inability To Suckle Or Swallow
  • Inability To Keep Up With Growth Milestones
  • Physical Problems Such As Scoliosis Or Clubfoot

In some cases, cognitive impairments such as intellectual disabilities may also be present due to injury during childbirth. Parents need to stay aware of any developmental delays or changes in motor skills which could indicate a problem stemming from a birth-related injury. Seeking medical attention quickly after noticing these signs can help ensure early evaluation and treatment.

Conclusion

Birth injuries are a serious problem in Philadelphia and can cause lifelong problems for both the child and the family. Parents need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of birth injuries so they can get help as soon as possible. If your child has been injured during birth, contact a seasoned birth injury attorney.