Both a mother and her child can be injured during the birth process, and the losses experienced can be immense. When these injuries result from medical malpractice, the negligent medical professional – or medical facility – can be held liable for the legal damages suffered. If you or your baby was injured at the time of their birth, it’s time to consult with an experienced Harrisburg birth injury lawyer.
Common Birth Injuries Babies Suffer
Babies can suffer a wide range of serious injuries during the birth process, and some are completely preventable.
Broken Bones
One of the most common forms of birth injuries is broken bones and common examples include breaks that are caused by any of the following actions on the part of the attending physician:
- Pulling on the baby too forcefully during delivery
- Failing to diagnose a bone disease in the child properly
- Twisting the baby either excessively or improperly during delivery
- Misusing forceps or vacuum assistance during delivery
Shoulder Dystocia
When a baby’s shoulder or shoulders get stuck behind their mother’s pubic bone once their head has been delivered, it’s called shoulder dystocia, and it’s considered a medical emergency. The result can be Erb’s Palsy, which refers to permanent damage to the nerves and muscles in the baby’s affected shoulder and arm.
Scalp Swelling or Bleeding
Scalp swelling or bleeding is closely associated with the improper use of vacuum extractors or forceps during delivery and can lead to health complications.
Common Birth Injuries Suffered by the Mother
Mothers also face considerable risk of injury because of negligence during the birth process.
Uterine Rupture
Uterine rupture refers to tearing in the uterus walls during pregnancy, which can put both mother and child at serious risk. The concern is more common in mothers who have had prior C-sections. A mother who has had a uterine rupture during pregnancy is generally advised not to deliver vaginally moving forward.
Preeclampsia
When a pregnant mother exhibits high blood pressure along with protein in her urine, it is generally a sign of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia that is left untreated can lead to renal and liver failure in addition to a range of cardiovascular concerns and can put the life of both the mother and child at serious risk.
Vaginal Tears
While superficial vaginal tears are not uncommon during the birth process, more extensive tearing can lead to more serious damages that can require reconstructive repair.
Our Experienced Birth Injury Attorneys in Harrisburg, PA, are on Your Side
The practiced Harrisburg birth injury lawyers at Marzella & Associates appreciate the profound loss associated with birth injuries to both mother and child concerning medical malpractice, and we will spare no effort in our quest to obtain an optimal outcome for you. To learn more about what we can do to help, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 717-876-8681 and schedule a free consultation today.