Anderson Birth Injury Lawyers

The complexities of labor and delivery can lead to numerous types of birth injury claims. While some stem from undiagnosed medical conditions, others are directly related to the actions of the doctor during the birthing process. Here are some examples of common birth injuries:

• Bone fractures. Fractured bones are common during difficult deliveries due to the amount of stress placed on the infant’s body when moving through the birth canal. Most fractures affect the collarbone or clavicle, but they may also occur in other areas of the body. These injuries are often difficult to immediately detect because the newborn is unable to communicate the pain. Symptoms, such as swelling or uncontrollable crying, may alert to a problem. Bone fractures are generally preventable during delivery, so their presence is an indication of possible malpractice.
• Perinatal asphyxia. This injury occurs when the fetus does not receive adequate amounts of oxygen. While small deviations are expected during the delivery process, when deficiency lasts for a significant period of time it may lead to long-term health complications. During the labor process, medical professionals should be alerted to asphyxia from an abnormal fetal heart rate. At delivery, low heart rate and skin discoloration are indicators of perinatal asphyxiation.
•  Subconjunctival hemorrhage. This is an injury to the optical area that occurs when blood vessels behind the eye rupture. It is caused by stress placed on the newborn’s head during delivery. A physician’s actions may contribute to this injury in two ways:
  • The doctor’s decision to not perform a C-section during a particularly difficult delivery.
  • The physician’s use of instruments, such as forceps or a vacuum extraction machine, to assist with the delivery. If these instruments are misused or placed improperly on the baby’s head, subconjunctival hemorrhaging may occur.