Common Birth Injuries

Common Birth Injuries in New Jersey

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More often than not, babies are delivered successfully. However, with the complexity of the birthing process and the extremely fragile physical state of newborns, it is not surprising that things can, and do, go wrong. When complications arise during delivery, it is incumbent upon obstetricians and other medical professionals to immediately and appropriately respond. Failure to do so can result in devastating results for the child and/or the mother. When medical negligence contributes to birth injuries, such as facial paralysis, brachial plexus injuries, fractures, hemorrhage, or perinatal asphyxia, those responsible can be held liable through medical malpractice litigation.

At Fronzuto Law Group, our team of highly acclaimed New Jersey birth injury lawyers has achieved millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of victims who have suffered harm as a result of delivery errors and other forms of medical negligence during childbirth. We understand the far-reaching consequences of birth injuries and we vigorously pursue maximum compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitative treatment, future care, and pain and suffering. To discuss your child’s birth injury and find the answers you need at this critical time, contact our Passaic County offices at 973-435-4551 or complete our online contact form. One of our knowledgeable attorneys will be happy to assist you and we provide initial consultations free of charge.

What are Common Birth Injuries?

Birth injuries can vary significantly. They can affect different organs and body parts and range in severity from relatively minor to extremely severe. Some birth injuries resolve themselves in the days or weeks following birth, but others can result in long-term consequences and even permanent disability. With the myriad of technological advances that have occurred in medicine in recent decades, doctors have the ability to monitor, detect, and respond to a host potential birth complications. When they fail to do so, or do so incorrectly, this is considered a violation of the standard of care and may provide grounds for a birth injury lawsuit. The following are some of the most common types of birth injuries.

Brachial Plexus Injuries

Brachial plexus injuries involve damage to the network of nerves that originate in the spinal cord and extend through the neck and into the armpit. This bundle of nerves is responsible for controlling movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, hand, wrist, and fingers. Brachial plexus injuries often arise in situations involving shoulder dystocia, which occurs when the baby’s shoulders are trapped behind the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery. If a physician improperly performs certain maneuvers to alleviate shoulder dystocia, pulls too hard, or applies excessive force, this can result in brachial plexus injuries. Brachial plexus injuries range in severity and may involve:

  • Neurapraxia: stretching of the nerve
  • Rupture: stretching of the nerve and partial tearing, but it remains attached to the spinal cord
  • Axonotemesis: the axons of the nerve are severed
  • Neurotemesis: the nerve has been divided
  • Avulsion: the nerve has been entirely dislodged from the spinal cord

Brachial plexus injuries can result in a variety of complications and conditions, some of which include: Erb’s Palsy, neurological impairments, functional disabilities, and even paralysis.

Perinatal Asphyxia and Brain Injuries

Perinatal Asphyxia occurs when there is some form of injury to the infant which results in insufficient oxygen being delivered to the brain. This can arise from inadequate blood flow or too little oxygen in the blood. Fetal infection, certain medications, pressure on the umbilical cord, a blood clot in a vessel of the umbilical cord, and blood loss are some of the potential causes of perinatal asphyxia. The consequences of perinatal asphyxia can be severe, including: shock, lethargy, seizures, coma, kidney problems, and difficulty breathing. Neurological damage is a common result of asphyxia and may range from developmental delays to Cerebral Palsy. In the most tragic of cases, perinatal asphyxia can lead to death.

Hemorrhage and Bleeding

Hemorrhage is a term used to describe bleeding. When bleeding occurs in the brain as a result of a ruptured blood vessel in the skull, this is known as an intracranial hemorrhage. There are different types of intracranial hemorrhages. Subarachnoid hemorrhages occur below the innermost membrane of the brain and these are the most common type. Subdural hemorrhages occur between the outer and inner membranes and are less common. Hemorrhages typically occur when there is excessive pressure on the skull during delivery. This adverse events may result in severe brain injuries and brain damage.

Facial Nerve Damage and Paralysis

Facial paralysis is a birth injury that involves damage to the nerves of the face. This can occur when there is excessive pressure on the facial nerves during an assisted delivery involving the use of forceps, or when the fetus is in a position in the womb that places pressure on one side of the face as it pushes against the mother’s pelvis. Facial nerve damage may be apparent when a baby cries or may present as an asymmetrical face. In the most severe cases, facial nerve damage can result in complete paralysis on one side of the face.

Contact our Bergen County NJ Birth Malpractice Lawyers

If you believe medical negligence contributed to your child’s birth injury, contact the highly knowledgeable medical malpractice attorneys at Fronzuto Law Group to learn more about the legal options that may be available to you. Simply call 973-435-4551 or toll free at 888-409-0816 to receive your cost-free initial consultation.

Practice Areas

Our attorneys advocate for those who suffer injuries due to the negligence of physicians, nurses, other health care professionals, hospitals, and medical facilities.

Medical Malpractice

Our team addresses the most complex of pediatric malpractice cases, including rare conditions such as craniosynostosis and plagiocephaly.

Pediatric Malpractice

Our firm represents individuals who are injured by improperly designed and manufactured products, including pharmaceuticals and medical devices, auto products, and sporting equipment.

Product
Liability

Our attorneys advocate for those who suffer injuries due to the negligence of physicians, nurses, other health care professionals, hospitals, and medical facilities.

Wrongful Death

If you or your child suffers from a birth injury, Fronzuto Law Group can help.

Birth Injuries

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