Do All Birth Injuries Cause Lifetime Issues?
While it is possible for children to recover from birth injuries, there are some that are permanent.
A birth injury can occur before, during, or after the labor and delivery process. Some of these injuries will resolve themselves in a matter of days or weeks or require only little treatment. Other times the injuries are so severe they may last for a lifetime. Regardless of the type of birth injury sustained, it is important to speak to an Ohio birth injury lawyer who can assist you with your claim.
Shoulder Dystocia and Brachial Plexus Injuries
Shoulder dystocia occurs when one or both of a baby’s shoulders becomes stuck in the birth canal during labor. In the majority of shoulder dystocia cases, the child is born without severe injury. However, there are times when shoulder dystocia may result in a brachial plexus injury. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves in the shoulder.
When these nerves become damaged, the child may suffer from Erb’s palsy or the much rarer Klumpke’s palsy. Sometimes children recover from brachial plexus injuries. Other times though, the brachial plexus injury may result in permanent loss of movement and sensation in the hand, arm, or shoulder.
Cerebral Palsy and Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
Cerebral palsy and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy are two conditions that are often caused by negligence during the birth and labor process. Both of these conditions are a result of the baby being deprived of oxygen at birth. Unfortunately, when the brain is deprived of oxygen, brain cells can die, which can cause irreversible damage and result in lifelong complications for the child.
When a child suffers from cerebral palsy, they often require the long-term use of mobility assistance devices, such as wheelchairs, extra assistance with learning, and a whole host of other special services. Children born with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy may be unable to earn an income or even care for themselves as they get older.
Jaundice
Jaundice is a yellow coloring of the skin that is caused by an excess of bilirubin in the blood. In the majority of cases, jaundice goes away on its own, or with very little treatment, such as phototherapy. However, when severe jaundice is not treated right away, it can lead to certain medical conditions. Serious jaundice that is not treated can result in kernicterus, which can cause athetoid cerebral palsy and hearing loss. Athetoid cerebral palsy is a condition that limits a child’s control over their muscle movements.
Our Ohio Birth Injury Lawyers Can Help with Your Case
Birth injuries are serious and have the potential to have lifelong effects for the child and their family. Regardless of whether your child has sustained a permanent or temporary injury, it is important to speak to a Cleveland birth injury lawyer who can assist with your case. At The Eisen Law Firm, we are committed to helping families after an infant has suffered a birth injury, and we have the necessary experience to give you the best chance of success with your case. Call us today at 216-687-0900 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation.
