Birth Injuries Overview

A birth injury is a trauma to the baby that occurs before, during or just after birth. The injury can be caused by prolonged labor, a breech (legs first) delivery, premature birth, doctor procedures, and the small size or irregular shape of the mother’s pelvis. As many as 27 of every 1,000 births in the United States result in a birth injury. Birth injuries can cause lifelong mental and physical impairment, and result in death. Many birth injuries are not serious and heal within a few weeks or months. However, some resulting damage may be permanent.

A birth defect is a physical or mental abnormality present at the time of birth, a congenital disorder which damaged a developing fetus. It may be the result of genetic abnormalities, the intrauterine environment, or a chromosomal abnormality. Birth defects vary widely in causation and abnormalities. Any substance that causes birth defects is known as a teratogen.

Our Birth Injury Attorneys Can Help

When birth injuries are caused by a medical professional’s negligence or mistake or a birth defect is caused by failure by a drug company to warn of risks, the parents of the injured baby may be entitled to compensation to help pay for the child's care and treatment.

If your infant has suffered trauma and you suspect the injuries were caused by medical malpractice, a Birth Injury Lawyer should be consulted immediately after birth, even if the extent of the injuries and damages are not yet known.

For more information on the following conditions, please click prescription drug birth defects, cerebral palsy, baby brain damage, shoulder dystocia, Erb's palsy, birth hypoxia, brachial plexus injury.