Birth Injuries

According to reports, there is some sort of injury in about 27 out of every 1,000 births. Some injuries are minor and the baby quickly recovers. Other errors and injuries can cause pain, disability, or impairment for a lifetime, such as with cerebral palsy. In some cases, doctors and hospitals can be held liable for these injuries. The attorneys at Rinaldo and Gimbrone, PC are experienced in cases relating to birth injuries and recently helped a client receive $750,000 in damages after a traumatic birth left the infant with Erbs’ Palsy, a permanent paralysis of the arm.

During the birth process, whether in a hospital or in some alternative birth facility, the chances of injury increase with the difficulty of the birth. In particular, the risks of injury increase when:

The baby weighs nine pounds or more
The mother’s pelvis is small or unusually shaped
The labor is abnormally short, or long
The medical team is not prepared for complications or a difficult delivery

Naturally, there are steps that a physician can take to counter the chances of injury, or minimize the potential for harm.

Physicians can be held liable for injuries caused by:
Failing to diagnose or recognize a problem
Delaying or failing to take preventive measures
Failing to respond to events such as fetal distress

While common injuries like minor bruising, swelling, temporary nerve damage and muscle strain may not affect the child permanently, injuries caused by oxygen deprivation or nerve damage can result in death or severe disability. What’s more, the financial and emotional burden of caring for a lifelong birth injury can be staggering when you consider the cost of medical bills, counseling, physical therapy, skilled care, and lost wages.