New York City Birth Injury Attorneys

Strong Legal Representation for Families

The birth of a child is a momentous occasion, and with the advent of modern medicine, the prevention of disease and the percentage of infant survival rates are very good. Occasionally, however, a baby suffers an injury during birth.

Common birth injuries include:

• Shoulder dystocia
• Cerebral palsy
• Ataxic cerebral palsy
• Athetoid cerebral palsy
• Erb’s palsy

Many factors can contribute to a birth injury. A difficult birth has a much higher risk for complications, and a medical error can create or worsen a birth injury.

A difficult birth may involve:

• Large babies (babies weighing more than eight pounds, 13 ounces)
• Premature babies (babies born early or before term)
• Mother’s pelvis size/shape unsuitable for vaginal birth (medically called “cephalopelvic disproportion”); common among mothers with narrow hips
• Prolonged or difficult labor
• Abnormal birthing position, such as breech delivery when the baby’s feet or buttocks are positioned to exit the birth canal first

Some examples of medical negligence are:

• Failing to anticipate birth complications
• Failing to respond appropriately to bleeding
• Failing to observe or respond to umbilical cord entrapment around the baby’s neck
• Failing to respond to fetal distress (including irregularities in the baby’s heartbeat)
• Delay in ordering a cesarean section when medically necessary
• Misuse of forceps or a vacuum extractor
• Inappropriate use of certain medications

Having a child who has endured a birth injury can be a devastating experience. 

If you believe your child might have been a victim of a birth injury due to medical negligence, please contact us.