Birth injuries are any injuries that a newborn baby suffers during the birthing process. They are most often observed in cases where the newborn is particularly large or delivery was difficult. Fortunately, birth injuries are quite rare compared to only a few decades ago, and most have a very positive prognosis. However, serious birth injuries do still occur, and their consequences can be severe.
Types of Birth InjuriesThe most common types of birth injuries include:
As mentioned above, birth injuries are the most common when the baby is very large or the mother undergoes a particularly difficult delivery. However, our Atlanta birth injury attorneys have seen that birth injuries can also be caused when:
The prognosis for birth injuries varies according to the type of injury that the baby suffers, but most birth injuries are fairly minor and often heal on their own within a few weeks of delivery. Brain damage tends to be the most serious type of birth injury, although its prognosis can vary. Mild or moderate brain damage may cause only mild developmental delays, while more serious brain damage can result in cerebral palsy, seizure disorders, and impaired fine motor skills. Mild or moderate nerve damage also usually heals on its own or with physical therapy, often with no long-term effects, while more severe nerve damage can result in Erb’s palsy. Small skull fractures will usually heal on their own as well, while more serious skull fractures can cause hematoma or hemorrhages in the brain, which can lead to brain damage or death if not treated surgically.
Call Slappey & Sadd, LLC Today to Speak With a Birth Injury Attorney in AtlantaIf your newborn was injured during birth, it may have been the result of medical malpractice. Contact the attorneys at Slappey & Sadd for a free consultation to discuss your case by calling 404.255.6677 or by emailing us through our online contact form. We serve the entire state of Georgia, including the following locations: Columbus, Fort Benning, Covington, Rossville, Loganville, Lagrange, and Dalton.