Atlanta Birth Injury Attorneys

What Is a Birth Injury?

Birth injuries refer to injuries during labor or delivery that affect the mother, baby, or both. When a birth injury is caused by medical negligence or malpractice, the victim may have the right to pursue compensation for medical costs, ongoing care, and other impacts in a birth injury lawsuit. 

Common Types of Birth Injuries

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Cerebral palsy is a lifelong neurological disorder that affects a child’s muscle coordination, movement, and posture. It may be linked to preventable brain damage caused by medical errors during delivery, such as failing to monitor fetal distress or delaying a necessary C-section.

Erb’s Palsy & Brachial Plexus Injuries

Erb’s Palsy occurs when the brachial plexus (the network of nerves controlling the arm and hand) is stretched or torn during birth. These injuries are frequently the result of excessive traction, where a provider pulls too hard on a baby’s head or neck. Severe nerve damage can lead to permanent arm paralysis.

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)

HIE is a serious brain injury caused by a total or partial lack of oxygen (hypoxia) and restricted blood flow (ischemia) to the baby’s brain, which can occur when medical staff ignore signs of fetal distress. This condition can lead to severe developmental delays, seizures, or permanent cognitive impairment. 

Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency where a baby’s shoulders become stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone. Malpractice may apply when providers use improper maneuvers or excessive force, leading to broken bones or permanent nerve damage.

When Can Medical Mistakes or Negligence Lead to Birth Injuries?

Below are some common forms of medical negligence leading to birth injuries: 

• Surgical errors during cesarean delivery
• Failure to perform a timely C-section when needed
• Improper administration of medications during labor
• Failure to detect or respond to umbilical cord problems
• Excessive pulling or traction on the baby during delivery
• Delayed or improper response to complications during labor
• Misuse of delivery tools, such as forceps or vacuum extractors
• Inadequate prenatal care leading to preventable complications
• Failure to properly monitor the baby’s heart rate or fetal distress
• Ignoring maternal complications, such as preeclampsia or hemorrhaging