San Antonio Birth Injury Lawyers Seeking Justice for Your Family

Birth injuries vary widely, and the type and severity of the injury can have long-lasting effects on a child’s health and development. Some of the most common types of birth injuries that often occur due to medical malpractice:

• Cerebral Palsy. Cerebral palsy is caused by brain damage during birth, often due to oxygen deprivation or trauma. It can lead to motor disabilities, including difficulty walking, poor muscle coordination, and cognitive impairments. Children with cerebral palsy may require lifelong physical therapy, special education, and medical care.
• Brachial Plexus Injuries (Erb’s Palsy). Brachial plexus injuries occur when the nerves controlling the shoulder, arm, and hand are stretched or torn during delivery, particularly if excessive force is used. This can result in partial or complete paralysis of the affected limb. While some cases resolve with physical therapy, severe cases may require surgery and can lead to permanent disability.
• Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). HIE is a severe brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation during birth. It can lead to developmental delays, epilepsy, and cognitive impairments. The extent of the damage often depends on how long the baby was deprived of oxygen. Infants with HIE may require long-term medical care, including therapy and special education services.
• Fractures. Fractures, particularly of the clavicle (collarbone), can occur if improper force or techniques are used during a difficult delivery. These injuries can cause pain and limited mobility, but with appropriate care, they often heal without long-term effects. However, severe fractures may require surgical intervention and ongoing treatment.
• Facial Nerve Damage. Excessive pressure on the baby’s face during birth, particularly when forceps are used, can lead to facial nerve damage. This type of injury can cause partial or complete paralysis of the facial muscles, impacting the child’s ability to blink, smile, or feed properly. In some cases, nerve damage may be permanent.
• Kernicterus. This condition results from untreated jaundice, where high levels of bilirubin in the blood cause brain damage. Kernicterus can lead to hearing loss, cerebral palsy, and severe neurological impairments. Early detection and treatment of jaundice are crucial to prevent this type of birth injury.
• Perinatal Asphyxia. Perinatal asphyxia occurs when a baby’s oxygen supply is cut off during labor, leading to brain damage and organ failure. It can cause seizures, developmental delays, and long-term disabilities. Immediate medical intervention is necessary to reduce the risk of severe complications.
• Spinal Cord Injuries. Spinal cord injuries during birth can result from excessive pulling or twisting of the baby’s neck. These injuries can cause paralysis or severe motor function impairments, depending on the extent of the damage. Babies with spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
• Intracranial Hemorrhage (Brain Bleed). This injury involves bleeding in the brain, which can be caused by trauma during delivery, particularly in cases involving the use of forceps or vacuum extractors. Intracranial hemorrhage can lead to brain damage, seizures, and developmental delays. Immediate medical treatment is needed to manage the condition and prevent further complications.
• Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS). MAS occurs when a baby inhales meconium (a newborn’s first stool) during delivery. This can block the airways and lead to respiratory distress, lung infections, and potential brain damage from oxygen deprivation. Babies with MAS may require intensive care and long-term respiratory therapy.

Understanding the specific birth injury is essential for determining how it occurred and assessing the child’s long-term care needs. An experienced birth injury lawyer can help families identify the nature of the injury, explain their legal options, and guide them through the process of pursuing compensation.