Types of Birth Injuries in Victoria, TX
Having a baby should be among the happiest moments of life. Unfortunately, complications during labor and delivery may lead to serious birth injuries that can affect a child for the rest of their life. Many times these injuries occur because medical professionals do not adhere to the standard of care.
At A2X Law, we help families in Victoria, TX, understand their legal options after a birth injury. Below is an overview of some of the most common conditions caused by preventable medical errors. Each condition can also be explored in greater detail in its section.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the most well-known and devastating birth injuries. It is caused by injury to a baby’s brain during labor or delivery, usually due to:
- Restricted oxygen
- Unmanaged infections
- Delayed C-sections
- Inappropriately used tools for delivery
Children with CP may have difficulty with muscle control, balance, speech, and development. Since CP is permanent, families incur costs for therapy, medical intervention, and assistive equipment for life.
Erb’s Palsy / Brachial Plexus Injury
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that controls movement and feeling in the shoulder, arm, and hand. During difficult deliveries, particularly those involving shoulder dystocia, improper pulling or twisting can cause:
- Erb’s palsy, where the upper arm nerves are damaged, leading to weakness or paralysis.
- Partial or complete loss of function in the affected limb.
- Some children recover with therapy, but severe cases may require surgery or lead to permanent disability.
Brain Damage Due to Oxygen Deprivation (HIE)
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) develops when a newborn’s brain is deprived of oxygen and blood flow. This can happen when:
- The umbilical cord gets compressed or prolapsed
- The placenta separates too soon
- There is insufficient monitoring of fetal distress
- A C-section is delayed
HIE can cause developmental delays, learning disabilities, seizures, or permanent brain injury. The long-term costs of HIE care can be hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.
Skull Fractures
Inappropriate use of delivery assist devices such as vacuum extractors or forceps can lead to fractures to the bony skull of the newborn. While some fractures may heal on their own, others may lead to:
- Bleeding inside the brain
- Seizures
- Developmental complications
Parents should seek immediate evaluation and treatment if a skull fracture is suspected after delivery.
Nerve Damage
In addition to brachial plexus injuries, other nerve damage can occur when:
- Excessive force is used during delivery
- Forceps or vacuum devices are misused
- The infant is improperly positioned during birth
Depending on which nerves are affected, a child may experience paralysis, weakness, or loss of sensation in some regions of the body.
Why These Birth Injuries Happen
Many birth injuries can be prevented. They often happen because of:
- Failure to monitor fetal distress
- Improper use of delivery tools
- Delayed decision-making during labor
- Medical staff miscommunication
When a doctor, nurse, or hospital fails to provide appropriate care, families may have the right to pursue a medical malpractice claim.
Getting Legal Help in Victoria, TX
If your child incurred a birth injury in Victoria, you do not have to face the future alone. An experienced A2X birth injury attorney can help:
- Investigate medical records and hospital procedures
- Consult medical experts to identify negligence
- Pursue compensation for medical costs, therapy, future care, and emotional damages
At A2X Law, we fight to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable and help families secure the resources they need for their child’s care.
Contact a2X Lawyer Today
If your child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, HIE, a skull fracture, or nerve damage, call our office today for a free consultation. We’ll explain your options and work to protect your family’s future.
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