Birth Injury

A birth injury occurs when your baby is harmed, sometimes permanently, because of negligence by a healthcare professional. Birth Injury usually takes place when complications arise during pregnancy or delivery, but also includes harmful treatments with prescription drugs during pregnancy. A common example of a birth injury is found in babies born with cerebral palsy due to negligence in delivery. To contact our attorneys call us at (816) 373-9080

Frequently Asked Questions about Birth Injuries

Q: Is there a difference between a birth defect and a birth injury?

A: A birth injury occurs during the actual child delivery, whereas a birth defect is the result of harm to a baby prior to birth.

Q: How common are birth injuries?

A: It is estimated that 1 in every 200 babies born in the United States will be injured during birth.

Q: What are the most common types of birth injury?

A: The most common types of birth injuries are: - Cerebral palsy - Erb's palsy / Brachial plexus injuries (Neuroma, Rupture, Avulsion) - Brain injury caused by improper use of vacuum extractors or forceps - Untreated jaundice - Shoulder dystocia - Stillbirth - Seizures - Meconium aspiration - Fetal distress - Excessive bleeding

Q: How do I prove if birth injury occurred?

A: The jury will presented with expert testimony (usually other doctors), who will then determine if your physician followed accepted standards of practice.

Q: What should I do if I think I have a birth injury claim?

A: See an attorney that specializes in birth injury. There is a limit on how long one has to bring a birth injury claim, so time is of the essence.