Types of Birth Injuries

The birth of your baby should be a joyous moment. Unfortunately, this day can be marred by an act of negligence or carelessness on account of your doctor, a nurse, or the hospital. Incidents of birth injury medical malpractice can change your life and the life of your baby forever - leading to paralysis, nerve damage, permanent disability, and even death. Studies indicate that for every 1,000 babies born in the United States, six babies will suffer some type of birth injury. As a soon-to-be-parent, these statistics indicate a potential birth injury must be something you are aware of and try to prevent.

These are some of the most common birth injuries:

The doctor delaying a decision, such as deciding whether or not a c-section is needed, could endanger your unborn baby. The hospital could fail to detect an infection. Misuse of medical equipment, such as forceps or vacuum extractor, during the birthing process. Misreading the fetal monitor or misuse of the fetal heart rate monitor. Incorrect dose of medication or given medication at an inappropriate time. A mistake could be made during your newborn son's circumcision surgery.

These mistakes can lead serious, life-altering injuries. Misuse of forceps could lead to nerve damage and paralysis in the face, shoulders, and arms (cerebral palsy).

Erb's palsy occurs when nerve damage causes problems with moving the arms and hands. If the baby suffers from blood loss or lack of oxygen to the brain, it could result in permanent brain damage.

If you believe your child was the victim of a birth injury caused by medical malpractice, contact a Las Vegas medical malpractice lawyer right away.

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