A birth injury is a serious issue. It is rare for a baby to get hurt during the birthing process. But when that happens, it can cause broken bone birth injuries.
A broken bone birth injury may occur due to the size of a baby, the mother’s position at birth, the baby’s position, complicated labor, and premature birth, among other reasons. It is also common for mums who are having a baby for the first time, have pelvic abnormalities, or are suffering from gestational diabetes.
How Broken Bone Birth Injuries Occur
There are different conditions, which can greatly increase the chances of newborn babies sustaining broken bone birth injuries. When a newborn is breached, a medical expert can exert force to pull or reposition the baby. If a newborn baby is large, the baby can have difficulty moving through a birth canal.
In this case, a doctor can use forceps and other instruments to help in the process of delivery. If labor extends for a long time, the baby might have increased risks of sustaining broken bone birth injuries.
When that happens to your baby, and you believe that the doctor was negligent, it would be best to visit https://www.salvilaw.com/birth-injury-lawyers/broken-bones/ for a good attorney. Your attorney will prove that the doctor was negligent and ensure you get compensation to cover for the injuries and losses.
Types
The most common types of broken bone birth injuries occur to the arms, neck, and shoulder. As a matter of fact, clavicle fractures consist of 15% of all broken bone birth injuries. Other types include humerus fracture and growth plate fracture. All these are further discussed here:
- Clavicle fracture: This is the most encountered birth injury. Also known as the collarbone, the clavicle connects the chest to the shoulders. The most common symptom is pain at the fracture site since the injuries in that setting hardly cause noticeable deformities. Treatments, including strapping the arm to the baby’s chest, can help to heal the injuries. Plus, treatment is often required for several weeks since the bones of young babies heal quickly.
- Humerus fracture: You can note this injury in the upper arm by lack of arm movement in newborn babies. Deliveries rushed by doctors may result in this fracture. When that happens, a baby’s head is quickly pushed through the narrow birth canal, but the shoulders and neck get stuck.
- Growth plate fracture: This type of broken bone birth injury happens when softer cartilage around fast-growing bones, such as fingers, legs, and forearms, get twisted during delivery. The soft spots can get injured during birth and are often detected by swelling. Treatment often comprises protecting the area to let it heal. Complications from this fracture can be permanent, making it important to consult a doctor and start treatment immediately to prevent ongoing issues with lifelong disability and mobility.
In a Nutshell
Although some bone fractures at birth are inevitable, most of them result from medical negligence. If you strongly believe that the doctor was negligent during delivery and the carelessness caused either of these broken bone birth injuries, you need to hire the best lawyer. A qualified attorney will first evaluate your case and discuss the legal options you have.