Newborns are at risk for the following types of medical malpractice birth injuries, those caused by lack of oxygen to the brain and trauma. Both types of injuries can result in permanent paralysis to the baby. Birth paralysis can range from a mild form of paralysis to a severe form of paralysis. The extent of the injuries depends on several factors including how long the infant was deprived of blood or oxygen to the brain or how much trauma was caused to the brain, spinal cord, or nerves.
A birth injury caused by trauma may occur if the infant is having difficulty exiting the birth canal. For example, if the baby is too large to easily fit through the birth canal, and if this condition is not recognized by the obstetrician before the delivery occurs, then the delivery will be difficult, which is known as dystocia. If the doctor is not careful and uses excessive force with the forceps or vacuum when extracting the infant, damage to the infant's brain or nerves may occur, causing paralysis to the arms, legs, or spinal cord. Types of spinal cord injuries include paraplegia, quadriplegia, or brachial plexus. In situations like this, a C-section may be necessary to prevent such injuries.
An example of a birth injury caused by lack of oxygen to the brain would be cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is not caused by damage to the muscles or nerves such as a trauma injury, but rather by abnormalities in the parts of the brain that control muscle movement. If a baby is not receiving an adequate supply of oxygen to the brain such as from a prolapsed umbilical cord, and the doctors fail to notice the warning signs of a dramatically reduced heart rate from the fetal monitor strip, this could lead to cerebral palsy.
Types of paralysis that can occur from medical negligence:
Cerebral palsy - Neurological disorders which permanently affect muscle coordination and body movement
Paraplegia - No feeling in legs or control of any leg movement
Quadriplegia - Both the legs and arms are immobile
Diplegia - Paralysis of symmetrical parts of the body
Klumpkes Palsy - Paralysis that affects just the lower arm, wrist, and hand
Erbs Palsy - Paralysis of only the shoulder and upper arm
A child who is paralyzed from a birth injury may require a lifetime of medical care, depending on the extent of the paralysis. Treatment that is available for a child with paralysis includes physical therapy, medication, and surgery. Since paralysis such as paraplegia, quadriplegia, diplegia, erbs palsy, or cerebral palsy are life-long for the victim, and will require expensive medical care; if a doctor, nurse, or medical facility is responsible for the paralysis, they need to pay for the lifetime of medical care necessary for the victim. Retaining the services of an experienced birth injury attorney is critical for obtaining the largest settlement possible.
