Complications during birth can lead to injuries that affect development, mobility, and quality of life. Being aware of common birth injuries and their warning signs can help parents recognize if their child may have experienced an injury during labor and delivery and what such an injury may mean for their future.
At Fowler Pickert Eisenmenger Norfleet, our birth injury lawyers understand the long-term implications of labor and delivery injuries and have experience helping Kansas City families who have been impacted. We've created this guide to help you learn about five of the most common types of birth injuries, what causes them, and how they can affect your child's future.
1. Cerebral Palsy From Oxygen Deprivation
Cerebral palsy is a serious condition affecting muscle control, coordination, and movement. It can occur when a baby's brain is deprived of oxygen during delivery. Early signs of cerebral palsy include delayed developmental milestones and abnormal muscle tone.
Children with cerebral palsy often require ongoing physical therapy, occupational therapy, special medical equipment, and educational support. Home modifications may also be needed.
Parents should watch for signs like difficulty feeding, unusual stiffness or floppiness, and delays in reaching developmental milestones. Early intervention is crucial for maximizing your child's potential.
2. Brachial Plexus Injuries During Difficult Deliveries
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that controls arm and hand movement. These nerves can be damaged when excessive force is used during delivery, particularly in cases involving shoulder dystocia. The resulting injury may cause weakness, loss of sensation, or even paralysis.
While some brachial plexus injuries heal on their own, others require surgery and extensive physical therapy. Children may experience limited range of motion or permanent weakness that affects their ability to perform daily activities.
Physical therapy should begin as soon as possible to maintain joint flexibility and prevent muscle atrophy. Some children benefit from nerve grafts or tendon transfers to improve function.
3. Brain Damage From Delayed Cesarean Sections
When fetal distress occurs during labor, quick action is essential. Delays in performing an emergency C-section can lead to brain damage from lack of oxygen. This may result in developmental delays, learning disabilities, or seizure disorders.
Signs of brain damage aren't always immediately apparent with an injury resulting from a delayed C-section. With this type of injury, parents may notice issues with feeding, unusual crying patterns, or missed developmental milestones as their child grows. Early intervention services can help maximize cognitive development.
Regular monitoring and documentation of your child's progress is important for both medical care and potential legal claims.
4. Spinal Cord Injuries From Improper Use of Forceps
When delivery tools like forceps are used incorrectly, this can result in devastating spinal cord injuries that affect a child's ability to move, breathe independently, or control bodily functions. Spinal cord birth injuries caused by improper forceps usage can result in partial or complete paralysis.
Children with spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical care, including respiratory support, physical therapy, and adaptive equipment. If your child experiences this type of birth injury, you may need to modify your home to accommodate wheelchairs and medical devices.
A spinal cord injury can have a significant emotional and financial impact on a family. This type of birth injury can result in the need for lifelong care and assistance with daily activities.
5. Skull Fractures From Traumatic Deliveries
Skull fractures can result from excessive pressure or force during delivery. Some birth-related skull fractures heal naturally, while others may require surgical intervention and have lasting impacts, such as brain damage, developmental delays, or neurological problems.
Long-term effects of skull fractures that occur during birth may include learning disabilities, vision problems, or hearing loss. Early intervention and proper medical care are essential.
Parents should watch for symptoms like unusual swelling, seizures, or lethargy and promptly report changes in behavior or development to a medical professional.
Key Steps to Protect Your Child’s Future After a Birth Injury
As the parent of a child impacted by one of the common birth injuries listed above or a different labor and delivery injury, their immediate care and medical needs should be your first priority. However, that’s not all you need to focus on when you realize your child may have experienced a birth injury. The steps below are necessary to document what happened, establish who is responsible, and identify the potential long-term impact of the birth injury.
- Preserving and documenting critical medical evidence
- Identifying parties responsible for your child’s birth injury
- Determining the expected cost of your child’s ongoing care
- Accessing developmental resources for your child quickly
- Filing your claim within the Missouri statute of limitations
Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate time-consuming and complex tasks like these alone. Our experienced and knowledgeable Kansas City birth injury lawyers can help with important tasks like the ones listed above, as well as handle communicating with the hospital on your behalf. We are here to guide you through the process of seeking justice and fair compensation for your child’s injuries so you can focus on getting the immediate care they need to maximize their recovery and quality of life.
