Brooklyn Birth Injury Attorneys

Birthing Injuries - Frequently Asked Questions

What is a birth injury?

Any kind of damage done to an infant's body before, during or directly after delivery is considered a birth injury. There are many different types of birth injuries and the effects range greatly, from a minor bruise or skin reaction to a more serious trauma to the head or shoulders. The injury can occur to either the baby or the mother at birth.

What are some common birth injuries?

Fractures to the arm or collar bone, bruising on the face or head, facial paralysis, skin irritations, umbilical cord entrapment, Cerebral Palsy and Brachial Plexus or Erbs Palsy are some examples of birth injuries.

What are the causes?

There are several causes of birth injuries, but some of the more common causes include oxygen deprivation, miscalculation of the size of the baby, use of excessive force during delivery or delay in performing a necessary cesarean section.

How common are birth injuries?

With all of the advances in the medical profession, injuries to infants or mothers before, during, or just after delivery have been greatly reduced, but statistics show that approximately 3 out of every 100 babies born in the United States each year suffer from birth injuries.

Who is negligent?

Doctors and all other medical personnel must use the level of skill equal to that of everyone else in their profession under similar circumstances. If inappropriate or deficient medical attention is given, negligence may have occurred. Negligence is difficult to prove, and the sooner the matter is investigated, the greater the chances are of receiving compensation.

Do I have a case?

If you suspect a birth injury has occurred due to the negligence or malpractice of medical professionals, it is important for you to contact a qualified New York cerebral palsy attorney immediately after birth.