Birth Injuries in Philadelphia

A birth injury is defined as an impairment of structure or body function due to trauma/harm an infant experiences during the birthing process.

The impact of this type of event to a child’s life can vary greatly. For some, the birth injury will heal without the need for medical treatment or care; however, a more serious injury might require constant, life-long medical care. And in the most unfortunate of cases, trauma at birth can be fatal.

Unfortunately, some birth injuries are the result of inadequate medical care expectant mothers and newborns received during labor and delivery. When a medical professional such as a doctor or nurse fails to provide a certain standard of care, finding out “how/why did this happen?” may require parents to take legal action.

If you suspect your infants injuries are the result of negligent medical care, call us immediately at (800) 961-8353 for a free and confidential consultation. Our Philadelphia birth injury legal team, led by attorney Tom Sheridan, has extensive experience successfully handling medical malpractice cases.

How Common are Birth Injuries?

In the United States, it is estimated that out of 1,000 infants born, 5 to 7 newborns may suffer a birth injury.

Below are some of the most common types of birth injury:

• Swelling of the scalp (Caput succadeneum)
• Cerebral palsy
• Bruising
• Bone fracture
• Erb’s palsy
• Cranial blood hemorrhaging (Cephalohematoma)
• Paralysis
• Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)
• Infant brain injury
• Retinopathy
• Shoulder dystocia

Birth Defect versus Birth Injury

A birth defect is typically caused by genetic conditions or exposure of the developing child to harmful chemicals while in the womb. A birth injury, by contrast, is generally the result of complications during labor or delivery.