Common Childbirth Injuries And Medical Malpractice Concerns

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A childbirth injury, or birth injury, is an injury the child suffers during the birthing process. These are relatively common and typically don't cause lasting injury to the infant, but sometimes due to size or position of the infant, serious injury can result.

A common injury in infants is a collarbone fracture, which usually occurs when the shoulder gets stuck during delivery. This injury may require treatment with a splint to allow proper healing.

Another common injury is called caput succedaneum. This is a swelling of the babys scalp, and many babies have it to some degree. The infant moving through the birth canal causes this swelling, which is sometimes accompanied by some slight bruising, however, it usually disappears in just a few short days. Delivery by vacuum extraction is the most common culprit.

Occasionally babies have some bruising on their faces caused by pressure in the birth canal and even contact with the pelvic bone of the mother. This can also be caused by the use of forceps. Once again, vacuum extraction can cause either bruising or laceration of the scalp.

A very common eye injury is subconjunctival hemorrhage, which is the result of the small blood vessels in the eyes breaking resulting in a bright red corona around the iris of the eye. This will not cause lasting injury to the eye and will go away usually within a week.

There may be some minor facial paralysis caused by trauma from the birthing process. The pressure can cause nerve damage resulting in the inability to move one side of the face or even to close the eye on that side. They use of forceps can result in this condition. If the nerve is simply bruised, it will correct itself quickly, but if the nerve was severed, surgery may be required.

These and other injuries caused during childbirth may be the result of medical malpractice if the healthcare provider failed to provide timely or accurate care. If you suspect medical negligence caused your child's birth injury, a lawyer can help you understand your rights.


About the Author:
Personal injury law is designed to protect individuals from injuries caused by negligence. Medical malpractice attorneys have the knowledge and expertise to protect your legal rights in the event of a birth injury or other serious injury related to medical negligence.



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