Florida Birth Brain Injury Attorneys
If you’re like most parents, the birth of your child was probably one of the happiest days of your life. But for parents whose newborns were born with a brain injury, their joy can quickly turn into panic and despair. Here are some of the brain injuries that can occur at birth, along with how a Florida birth injury attorney can help you.
Oxygen Deprivation
One of the main causes of brain injuries at birth is oxygen deprivation. Also called “birth asphyxia,” oxygen deprivation can occur when a baby isn’t properly monitored during labor and right after birth. Some of the main causes of oxygen deprivation are blocked air passages, umbilical cord problems, and prolonged or disrupted labor (causing an infant to stay stuck in the birth canal for too long).
Head Trauma During Birth
Trauma to the head, occurring during delivery, can be the result of hypoxia (decreased oxygen) and ischemia (a decrease of blood flowing to an infant’s brain). Head or brain trauma can be caused by medical negligence and can lead to severe medical problems.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy, which can occur before, during, or after birth, is the most common brain injury that is linked to birth trauma. It can also be caused by developmental issues before birth, such as fetal infections in the womb. In some cases, cerebral palsy is the result of oxygen deprivation during labor or the delivery process. This chronic central nervous system disability involves abnormal posture and uncontrollable movements.
Erb’s Palsy
The brain injury known as Erb’s palsy, which can occur from a difficult or abnormal labor during childbirth, entails arm paralysis. Erb’s Palsy can be the result of a head-first delivery when an infant’s shoulders are pulled too excessively during delivery. It can also be caused by a feet-first or breech birth when a baby’s raised arms are stressed during delivery.
Common Symptoms of Brain Injuries at Birth
- Physical symptoms — While some babies suffering from brain damage don’t display any physical signs, others do. For example, some infants who have brain damage have abnormally large foreheads or small skulls. Others may have deformed spinal cords, distorted facial features or eye focusing difficulties.
- Developmental delays — Some infants with brain injuries don’t show physical symptoms but are behind their peers in developing basic skills. Examples may include being slow to crawl or smile. On the other hand, consider that babies develop at different rates, so it’s important to consult your pediatrician who can determine if any delays in development are caused by brain damage.
- Behavioral signs — Excessive crying and wailing can be a symptom of brain damage, along with extreme fussiness and not wanting to eat.
Get Help for Your Child’s Birth Injury. Speak to a Florida Birth Brain Injury Attorney
Do you suspect your baby’s birth injury may have been caused by medical malpractice? If so, it’s critical you get sound, professional legal advice. Families who are victims of medical malpractice have the right to get compensation from those responsible for their babies’ injuries. Please call 800-373-8000. Our Meldon Law South Florida attorneys are highly experienced in handling personal injury lawsuits throughout Florida and are very proud of the results we’ve achieved. Our birth injury claim attorneys are passionate about ensuring our clients receive full compensation for their losses. Please contact Meldon Law online to schedule your initial consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
