Washington Birth Injuries

Birth injuries are among the most traumatic events new parents can experience. These injuries can occur at any time during the birthing process, during which newborns are vulnerable and susceptible to injury.  In many cases, these injuries are caused by malpractice of a doctor or other medical professional during the birthing process. 

Causes of Birth Injuries

Birth injuries often happen because the physician fails to notice a complication or mishandles the infant during delivery.  Medical professionals must pay attention during labor, especially if the baby is particularly large or has a large head, if labor fails to progress, or if the use of forceps are necessary. 

These injuries can also occur because the obstetrician fails to pay attention to risk factors, which include a mother's advanced age, excessive weight gain, gestational diabetes, overdue or stalled labor, previous birth of a large baby, or if the mother has had previous children with birth injuries. 

Types of Birth Injuries

There are several types of birth injuries, all of which cause varying degrees of harm and disability.  These injuries include, but are not limited to the following:

• Shoulder dystocia - this occurs when one or both of the baby's shoulders become impacted on the mother's pubic bone during delivery and can result in severe nerve damage
• Bone fractures of the clavicle or collarbone
• Erb's palsy (Brachial palsy) - paralysis to one or both arms caused by damage to the nerves that run from the spinal cord through the arm
• Cerebral palsy - a neurological disorder that affects movement and coordination
• Nerve and spinal cord injuries that can cause varying degrees of disability and paralysis

Seek Experienced Legal Representation

Like all medical malpractice cases, cases involving birth injuries are complex, expensive to litigate, and time-consuming.  It is important to hire experienced attorneys who understand the legal principles and have the resources to dedicate to achieving a successful result.  If you are a parent of a baby who has suffered a birth injury, contact the experienced attorneys at D'Amore Law Group for a free initial consultation.