At Kline & Specter, our attorneys—including five who are also medical doctors—have helped families recover substantial compensation for serious birth-related injuries. With over 50 attorneys and a history of record-setting verdicts, our team is uniquely positioned to handle complex medical malpractice and severe birth injury cases.
This blog discusses four common types of birth injuries and their causes. This information can help parents recognize the signs early and empower them to seek the justice they deserve.
1. Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is one of the most well-known and severe types of birth injuries. It results from brain damage before, during, or shortly after delivery. Often, this brain damage is caused by oxygen deprivation, untreated infections, or improper monitoring during labor. Children with cerebral palsy may suffer from lifelong mobility, developmental, and speech challenges.
2. Brachial Plexus Injuries (Including Erb’s Palsy)
The brachial plexus is a nerve network that controls movement in the shoulder, arm, and hand. These nerves can be damaged during difficult or forceful deliveries, especially when the baby’s shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother’s pubic bone (a condition known as shoulder dystocia). This can lead to Erb’s palsy, characterized by weakness or paralysis in the affected arm.
3. Skull Fractures
While rare, skull fractures can occur when forceps or vacuum extractors are improperly utilized during delivery. These tools are intended to assist in safe delivery but can cause serious injury if misused. Fractures can lead to brain bleeding or other neurological complications.
4. Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a serious injury caused by prolonged oxygen deprivation to the baby’s brain. It can occur from issues such as delayed C-sections, umbilical cord problems, or failure to monitor fetal distress. Infants with HIE may face cognitive impairments, developmental delays, or even death if not promptly treated.
Discuss Your Birth Injury Case Today
If your child has suffered a birth injury, you deserve answers and support. Call Kline & Specter today at 215-772-1000 or submit our contact form to discuss your legal options with one of the most experienced birth injury law firms in the nation.
Kline & Specter provides free and confidential evaluations of potential cases. Kline & Specter handles cases in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. For cases outside those states, the law firm works with local attorneys in each state as applicable.
