5 Common Types of Birth Injuries in Philadelphia

Having a newborn is something to be celebrated, but it also has the potential to be a source of significant anxiety for new parents. Unfortunately, some babies are born with birth injuries, and these misfortunes can have a big effect not only on the child but also on their family. Parents in Philadelphia should be aware of the various forms of birth injuries that are happening in the city since they can file a lawsuit for some of these injuries. Dealing with issues like these needs the experience and expertise of the best birth injury attorneys in Philadelphia. 

Cerebral Palsy

A neurological condition known as cerebral palsy is characterized by abnormalities in a person’s movement, balance, and posture. It is caused by injury to the developing brain, and a common contributor is a shortage of oxygen to the baby at birth. Cerebral palsy is a condition that can sometimes be avoided with careful monitoring and timely medical intervention during labor and delivery. If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced birth injury attorney to assess whether or not your child’s condition was caused by medical negligence.

Erb’s Palsy

Erb’s palsy is a disorder that causes weakness or paralysis in the shoulder and arm as a result of the nerves in those areas being affected. It is commonly the result of a difficult birth, such as when the baby’s shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother’s pelvic bone. This can also cause the infant to have a breech presentation. The effects of Erb’s palsy on a child’s quality of life can be severe, regardless of whether the condition is transient or permanent. If your child has been given a diagnosis of Erb’s palsy, it is imperative that you consult with a competent birth injury attorney to recover your losses by obtaining fair compensation.

Trauma to the Brachial Plexus

A network of nerves known as the brachial plexus extends from the back of the neck to the shoulder and then down the arm. When these nerves are destroyed during childbirth, which often happens as a result of a difficult delivery, the result is a brachial plexus injury. The damage may result in temporary or permanent paralysis of the affected arm, with symptoms ranging from modest weakness to full immobility of the limb. It is crucial to consult with an experienced birth injury attorney if your child has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury. This will allow you to establish whether you can claim compensation.

Brain Damage

During labor and delivery, a number of risk factors can combine to cause brain injury in the newborn, including infection, trauma to the head, or a lack of oxygen. The aftereffects of brain damage can be devastating and permanent, ranging from intellectual incapacity to cerebral palsy and everything in between. If your child has been given a diagnosis of brain damage, it is imperative that you consult with a competent birth injury attorney to evaluate the case’s worth.

Damage to the Facial Nerves

Because of the pressure that is placed on the baby’s face or head during delivery, a facial nerve injury can sometimes occur. This can lead to facial paralysis, difficulties eating, and other deformities of the face. Damage to a child’s facial nerves can have a substantial negative effect not just on their appearance but also on their capacity to communicate as well as their overall quality of life. 

Final Thoughts

Injuries sustained during birth can have a significant effect not only on the child but also on the family. If your child has been diagnosed with a birth injury, you should talk to an experienced birth injury attorney as soon as possible to evaluate whether or not your child’s condition was caused by medical malpractice. There are a few different sorts of birth injuries that are rather prevalent in the city of Philadelphia. These birth injuries include cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, brachial plexus injury, brain damage, and facial nerve damage. Parents can take precautions to protect their children and hold negligent medical personnel accountable for their actions when they have a better grasp of the injuries and what causes them.