• Cerebral Palsy
• Erb’s Palsy
• Klumpke’s Palsy
• Brachial Plexus Palsy
• Brain Damage
• Fractured extremities
• Infant Paralysis
• Caput Succedaneum
• Cephalohematoma
• Bruising/Forceps marks

It is important to distinguish the difference between a birth injury and a birth defect. Generally speaking, birth defects are caused as a result of unavoidable genetic factors, as seen in Down syndrome, or by the mother’s actions during her pregnancy, as seen in fetal alcohol syndrome. Birth defects are almost always diagnosed before the child is born. In contrast, a birth injury is caused from a medical complication that occurs during labor or birth. An example of a common birth injury would be if the baby is large or the mother’s pelvis is too small or narrow, a prolonged delivery might cause either physical damage or temporary deprivation of oxygen to the baby, resulting in brain damage. In some situations, these injuries are unavoidable and should be considered as part of the overall risk of pregnancy and childbirth. However, if the physician’s actions or negligence caused or contributed to the birth injury, you may be eligible to receive compensation for the injuries. A Melbourne birth injury attorney can protect your legal rights and help you obtain the compensation you’ll need to effectively treat your child’s long-term injury or disability.

Some of the most common types of birth injuries that are often caused by medical malpractice include:

• Cerebral palsy – lack of blood flow, and therefore oxygen, is deprived from the brain for an extended period of time. Cerebral palsy is sometimes the result of delaying a cesarean section.
• Shoulder dystocia – occurs when the infant’s shoulder gets stuck on the mother’s pelvic bone.
• Brachial plexus palsy – a result of shoulder dystocia. Full blown brachial plexus palsy results in paralysis of the shoulder, arm and hand.
• Erb’s palsy – a type of brachial plexus palsy that affects only the shoulder and arm.
• Klumpke’s palsy – a type of brachial plexus palsy that only affects the lower arm, wrist and sometimes hand.
• Birth paralysis – May range from loss of feeling in one area of the body to full quadriplegia.

Regardless of the type of birth injury your child has suffered from, quick action is absolutely essential. The effects of some birth injuries can be reduced if appropriate medical action is taken immediately. Unfortunately, for more serious injuries and conditions such as cerebral palsy or brachial plexus palsy the child will need to be provided with special education and intense therapy for many years to come. All cases are different and your child’s rehabilitation program will be different from the next. The important thing is to get the proper care needed and be compensated for the losses that have occurred in your family. Once you have reviewed the information on the various types of birth injuries, contact a Melbourne birth injury attorney to see if you can be helped with the treatment your child will need.

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