Tennessee Birth Injuries

The birth of a baby should be a time of celebration, not a time of heartache. For many parents with children who suffer birth injuries, the months following the birth brings constant worry and fear. These parents find themselves wondering whether or not their child will ever be able to live a normal life.

Birth injuries are more common than most people realize. Some of these injuries are simply the result of being born, while others are caused by negligence on part of the doctor or hospital. Difficult labor o r a prolonged C-section can lead to serious birth injuries. Other causes of birth injuries include the following:

• Prematurity
• Breech delivery
• Misreading of fetal heartbeat
• Dangerous dose of Pitocin
• Improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction
• Doctor failing to act in a timely manner

There are many different types of birth injuries, including the following:

Facial Paralysis: The use of forceps can cause a facial nerve injury, due to the pressure on the baby’s face. This injury can usually be seen when the baby cries and there is no movement on one side of the face. In some cases, the eye cannot close.

Brachial Palsy: This type of injury happens when the brachial plexus is injured. It can occur when the doctor has trouble delivering the baby’s shoulder, known as shoulder dystocia. As a result, the injured infant is unable to flex and rotate the arm.

Cerebral Palsy: Cerebral palsy results from damage to the brain. During the birthing process, lack of oxygen can cause brain damage. Cerebral palsy is a lifelong condition that will not improve over time.

Hypoxia: Hypoxia describes a condition where the body is deprived of oxygen. It is a common cause of fetal brain injury and is often the result of a complication during birth.

Caput Succedaneum: This injury involves a severe swelling of the soft tissues of the baby’s scalp that occurs when the baby travels through the birth canal. It can also occur in a prolonged delivery or vacuum extraction.

Cephalohematoma: This condition involves bleeding between the bone and its fibrous covering. It usually appears as a raised bump on the baby’s head. The use of forceps or vacuum extraction can cause this birth injury.

If your child has suffered a Tennessee birth injury, contact a Nashville birth injury lawyer at Phillip Miller & Associates at 1-800-337-HURT (4878) or 1-615-356-2000.

Phillip Miller & Associates
631 Woodland Street
Nashville, TN 37206
Phone: (615) 356-2000
Fax: (615) 242-1739
Toll Free: (800) 337-HURT
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