Common child birth injuries caused by medical malpractice

Unfortunately, birth injuries are a common form of medical malpractice.

Sometimes the medical staff’s negligence is responsible for these injuries. If you suspect your child may have an injury after birth, consider the most common types and their causes.

Common types of birth injuries

Doctor negligence during the birth process can lead to brain-related injuries. For example, cerebral palsy, brain hemorrhage and Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy are common in Florida. Broken bones, skull fractures and shoulder dystocia often occur as the child leaves the birth canal and can result from the doctor improperly assisting the baby.

Lacerations are not uncommon, especially during poorly executed c-sections, and a number of mistakes could lead to dangerous infections. For example, Group B strep infection can result from not testing the mother for the strain before birth or failing to provide antibiotics. Meningitis, sepsis and spina bifida are dangerous and can result from avoidable infections.

Common causes of birth injuries

Not all injuries are the result of medical malpractice, but some poor practices can lead to the dangerous afflictions listed above and more. Common examples of birth negligence include:

• Using excessive force during the delivery
• Not properly monitoring the baby or mother during labor and after delivery
• Failing to respond promptly or at all during an emergency
• Performing procedures that require proper skill and care without giving it the necessary attention, including administering an epidural

Doctors and medical staff will not step forward to tell you they made a mistake, and sometimes you may not know until the child gets older. Even then, it is not too late to get compensation.