Philadelphia Birth Injury Law Firm

Whether you are 38 weeks pregnant and primed for labor or you've recently delivered a child who seems to have suffered trauma during delivery, it’s critical to understand the types and causes of common birth injuries.

Bruising and/or markings that go away within a few days to weeks

Bruising can result from the application of forceps during birth, from vacuum extraction, or even from an otherwise uneventful passage through the birth canal. Your obstetrician should be able to identify any immediate medical concerns and inform you and any designated family members about possible complications. Fortunately, the vast majority of birthing bruises and marks (including a scary-sounding but typically innocuous condition known as "subconjunctival hemorrhage") heal on their own.

Broken bones, hematomas, and swelling to the head

Particularly during breech births and other tough deliveries, an infant's head may experience some trauma during the birthing process. Common injuries include damage to the facial nerves, cephalohematoma, and caput succedaneum.

Nerve damage and brain injury

Injuries to the brain and/or nervous centers can occur in cases in which the umbilical cord gets twisted during delivery or in which the infant's shoulders block the passageway and force an awkward delivery. Oxygen deprivation and physical trauma to areas like the brachial plexus can cause chronic to permanent damage and may require therapy as well as additional medical care.

If you have reason to believe that your obstetrician, emergency room attendant, or other medical professional in any way contributed to a birth injury due to negligence or malpractice, contact the law firm of Cherry Fieger & Marciano, LLP right away. Our top rated professionals (designated "Super Lawyers" in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008) provide an excellent, sympathetic approach and can spell out your legal options for potentially getting compensation. Look through pa-birthinjurylawfirm.com for more information or call 888-684-7192 now to schedule a consultation.