Common Types of Birth Injuries in Port Aransas and What Families Need to Know 

Bringing a child into the world should be a moment of joy and hope, but when something goes wrong during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, that joy can turn into confusion, heartbreak, and anger. At A2X Law, we stand with Port Aransas families who’ve experienced the trauma of a birth injury. You deserve answers. You deserve accountability. And most importantly, your child deserves the resources they’ll need for a better future. 

 

What Is a Birth Injury? 

A birth injury is physical harm caused to a baby during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, often due to medical negligence. These injuries are not the same as birth defects, which are typically caused by genetic or developmental conditions. Birth injuries are preventable and often stem from poor decisions, delayed care, or improper use of tools by medical professionals. 

 

Common Types of Birth Injuries We See 

In our experience representing Texas families, these are some of the most common and severe birth injuries: 

  1. Cerebral Palsy: Often caused by a lack of oxygen (hypoxia) during delivery. May result in motor issues, developmental delays, and lifelong disability. 
  2. Erb’s Palsy / Brachial Plexus Injuries: Damage to the nerves controlling the shoulder, arm, and hand, usually caused by improper pulling during a difficult delivery or shoulder dystocia. 
  3. Fractures (especially clavicle or skull): Caused by excessive force or improper tool use (like forceps or vacuum extractors). 
  4. Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): A form of brain damage due to oxygen deprivation during birth, which can lead to severe cognitive and physical impairments. 
  5. Facial Paralysis: Often caused by pressure from forceps or prolonged labor. 
  6. Spinal Cord Injuries: Although rare, they are devastating when they occur. It may be caused by severe pulling or twisting during a breech birth. 

 

How Do These Injuries Happen? 

Most birth injuries result from mistakes made by medical professionals who fail to meet the standard of care. Common causes include: 

  • Failure to monitor fetal distress (such as abnormal heart rate) 
  • Delayed C-section despite signs of fetal or maternal distress 
  • Improper use of delivery tools (forceps, vacuum) 
  • Mishandling a breech or large baby (macrosomia) 
  • Failure to treat maternal infections or conditions 
  • Inadequate response to umbilical cord complications 
  • Negligence during labor induction or the use of Pitocin 

 

These injuries are not “just something that happens.” They often stem from avoidable medical errors, and when that’s the case, the responsible providers must be held accountable. 

 

Who Can Be Held Liable? 

Birth injury cases are medical malpractice claims, and multiple parties may share responsibility, including: 

  • OB-GYNs and delivery room doctors 
  • Nurses or midwives who failed to act properly 
  • Hospital staff or administrators 
  • Anesthesiologists (in cases involving epidurals or C-sections) 
  • Clinics or hospitals in Port Aransas or the surrounding area 

 

A thorough investigation is required to determine who knew what, when, and what they should have done differently. 

 

Compensation for Birth Injuries: What Can You Recover? 

Caring for a child with a birth injury often means a lifetime of medical treatment, therapy, and support. A successful legal claim can provide compensation for: 

  • Past and future medical expenses 
  • Specialized care or assistive devices 
  • Physical and occupational therapy 
  • Lost future earning capacity (for the child) 
  • Pain, suffering, and emotional distress 
  • Loss of enjoyment of life 
  • In some cases, punitive damages for gross negligence 

 

How A2X Law Supports Families in Port Aransas 

Birth injury cases are highly complex, emotional, and time-sensitive. At A2X Law, we combine in-depth legal expertise with genuine compassion. We are familiar with the local hospitals, understand the unique challenges faced by Port Aransas families, and know how to take on powerful institutions. 

 

We will: 

  • Work with top medical experts to review your case 
  • Secure and analyze fetal monitoring records and labor notes 
  • Identify all liable parties and sources of compensation 
  • Handle communications so you can focus on your child 
  • Fight relentlessly to secure the resources your family needs 

 

And most importantly, we’ll stand beside you the whole way. You won’t feel alone in this process. 

 

Don’t Wait - There Are Time Limits 

Texas has a strict statute of limitations for medical malpractice and birth injury cases. In most cases, you must file a claim within two years, but exceptions exist for minors. Still, the sooner you act, the better because evidence fades, and hospitals often close ranks quickly after a traumatic delivery. 

 

Contact A2X Law for a Free, Confidential Consultation 

If you believe your child suffered a preventable birth injury in Port Aransas or nearby, we’re here to help you get answers and justice. 

 

Contact us today or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We’ll review your case at no cost, explain your options, and guide you every step of the way.