Birth injuries can lead to various temporary and permanent conditions that can significantly impact a child’s health and well-being in a negative way. These conditions can result from complications during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, and they vary in severity depending on the nature and extent of the injury. Following are some common conditions caused by birth injuries:

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that affect body movement and muscle coordination. Cerebral palsy is often caused by damage to the developing brain during pregnancy, childbirth, or shortly after birth. Children with cerebral palsy often have difficulties with brain function, cognition, muscle control, walking, balance, and fine motor skills.

Brachial Plexus Injuries

When the nerves that control the muscles of the arm and hand are damaged during childbirth, this is known as Brachial Plexus. A Brachial Plexus injury can lead to such conditions as Erb’s palsy or Klumpke’s palsy, which result in paralysis or weakness in the affected arm.

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)

When a baby suffers from a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain during labor or delivery, it can lead to Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy. This disorder can result in long-term neurological impairments, developmental delays, and cognitive deficits.

Facial Nerve Palsy

When the facial nerve is damaged during birth, facial nerve palsy may result. This disorder can cause weakness and/or paralysis of the facial muscles, causing problems with facial expressions, eye closure, and other facial functions.

Fractures and Bone Injuries

Difficult or traumatic deliveries can result in fractures or other bone injuries in the baby. Common sites for fractures include the clavicle (collarbone) and the bones of the arms and legs, particularly the long bones.

Intracranial Hemorrhage

When there is trauma during delivery, intracranial hemorrhage may occur from bleeding inside the newborn’s skull. Depending on the location and severity of the bleeding, it can lead to various developmental and other neurological complications.

Perinatal Asphyxia

When a baby is deprived of oxygen before, during, or immediately after birth, this is known as perinatal asphyxia. This lack of oxygen can cause damage to the brain, heart, kidneys, bowels, and other organs, leading to a range of serious health and development issues.

Developmental Delays

Birth injuries often result in developmental delays, affecting a child’s physical, cognitive, and social development. Early intervention and therapies can help address these physical, cognitive and social delays and promote the child’s development.

Intellectual Disabilities

In some cases, birth injuries can result in intellectual disabilities or learning difficulties that impact a child’s academic performance and cognitive abilities.

Seizure Disorders

Birth injuries, particularly those affecting the brain, can increase the risk of developing seizure disorders or epilepsy later in life.

Vision and Hearing Impairments

Vision and/or hearing impairments may result from damage to the sensory organs or the parts of the brain responsible for processing sensory information.

Behavioral and Emotional Challenges

Children with birth injuries may experience behavioral and emotional challenges due to their physical limitations or the frustration of dealing with their conditions.

Speak with a Fort Lauderdale Birth Injury Lawyer Today

If your child experienced any of the above-mentioned conditions discussed above or any other birth injury-related issue, you do not have to handle things on your own. Contact a Fort Lauderdale birth injury lawyer at Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm, P.A. today. We are here to help you determine if you have a valid claim.