Common Causes and Conditions

A birth injury is any traumatic injury to the baby that occurs during the birth process. This sort of injury is generally the result of a great amount of pressure put upon the baby while passing through the birth canal. It can be caused by numerous factors, including:

• prolonged labor
• a “breech” (legs first) delivery
• premature birth
• doctor procedures (such as the use of forceps)
• the small size or irregular shape of the mother’s pelvis

Types of Injuries

Many birth-related injuries, such as bruising, swelling, forceps scars and even the rare fracture (usually the result of a breech birth), are not serious and heal within a few weeks. Some injuries, such as temporary loss of nerve or muscle function caused by pressure or swelling around the nerves, may resolve themselves within weeks or months. However, in a situation where the nerves are torn, the resulting damage may be permanent.

Every state has a statute of limitations in regards to birth injury. If you are a parent whose child has suffered a birth injury, it is crucial that you seek legal advice as soon as possible. Missing the deadline on the statute of limitations means you will not be able to bring a lawsuit. Mueller Hillin specializes in birth injury cases in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Houston and Austin; if you believe you have the basis for this type of case, please contact us today.