Common Types of Birth Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, and Legal Implications
March 8, 2025
Birth injuries are a devastating reality for some families, often resulting from complications during labor and delivery. While some injuries are unavoidable, others are the result of medical negligence. Understanding the types, causes, and long-term effects of birth injuries is crucial for parents, medical professionals, and legal advocates. In this article, we explore the most common types of birth injuries, their causes, symptoms, and the legal implications for families seeking justice.
1. Cerebral Palsy
Overview
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle tone, and posture. It is caused by damage to the developing brain, usually before or during birth.
Causes
Oxygen deprivation (birth asphyxia)
Infections during pregnancy
Premature birth
Brain bleeding (intracranial hemorrhage)
Medical malpractice (e.g., delayed C-section, improper use of forceps)
Symptoms
Difficulty with movement and coordination
Muscle stiffness or spasticity
Delayed milestones (e.g., sitting, walking)
Speech difficulties
Seizures
Legal Implications
Cerebral palsy can sometimes be traced back to medical negligence, such as failure to monitor fetal distress, improper use of delivery instruments, or failure to perform a timely C-section. Parents may be eligible to file a medical malpractice claim to seek compensation for long-term care costs.
2. Brachial Plexus Injuries (Erb’s Palsy & Klumpke’s Palsy)
Overview
Brachial plexus injuries occur when the network of nerves controlling the arm and hand is stretched or torn during delivery.
Causes
Shoulder dystocia (baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone)
Excessive force applied during vaginal delivery
Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors
Breech delivery (baby positioned feet-first)
Symptoms
Weakness or paralysis in the affected arm
Decreased grip strength
Limited range of motion
Abnormal muscle contractions
Types
Erb’s Palsy: Affects the upper brachial plexus, leading to arm weakness or paralysis.
Klumpke’s Palsy: Affects the lower brachial plexus, impacting hand function.
Legal Implications
If a doctor applies excessive force or fails to recognize the risk factors for shoulder dystocia, they may be liable for the injury. Medical malpractice lawsuits can help families secure compensation for therapy, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
3. Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
Overview
HIE is a type of brain damage caused by insufficient oxygen and blood flow to the brain.
Causes
Prolonged labor
Umbilical cord prolapse or compression
Placental abruption
Uterine rupture
Delayed emergency C-section
Symptoms
Seizures
Difficulty breathing
Poor muscle tone
Feeding difficulties
Developmental delays
Legal Implications
Medical professionals are trained to recognize signs of fetal distress. Failure to respond appropriately to oxygen deprivation can constitute medical malpractice, making families eligible for compensation.
4. Skull Fractures
Overview
Skull fractures occur when excessive pressure is applied to a baby’s head during delivery.
Causes
Prolonged or difficult labor
Use of forceps or vacuum extractors
Large fetal head size (cephalopelvic disproportion)
Symptoms
Swelling or bruising on the head
Skull depression
Seizures (in severe cases)
Irritability or excessive crying
Legal Implications
If a doctor improperly uses delivery tools or fails to recognize fetal head size complications, they may be held accountable for the injury.
5. Intracranial Hemorrhage (Brain Bleeding)
Overview
Brain bleeding occurs when blood vessels rupture, leading to damage in the baby’s brain.
Types
Subdural Hemorrhage: Bleeding between the brain and the dura mater.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Bleeding between the brain and its surrounding membranes.
Intraventricular Hemorrhage: Bleeding within the brain’s ventricles.
Causes
Oxygen deprivation
Premature birth (weakened blood vessels)
Excessive force during delivery
Use of forceps or vacuum extractors
Symptoms
Poor feeding
Seizures
Lethargy
Abnormal reflexes
Legal Implications
Medical errors, including failure to perform a C-section or improper use of forceps, may be grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
6. Facial Nerve Damage (Bell’s Palsy)
Overview
Facial nerve damage occurs when the facial nerves are compressed or injured during delivery.
Causes
Forceps-assisted delivery
Prolonged pressure on the baby’s face during birth
Large fetal size
Symptoms
Weakness or paralysis on one side of the face
Difficulty closing one eye
Asymmetrical facial movements
Legal Implications
If improper force or delivery techniques caused the injury, parents may have grounds for a malpractice claim.
7. Spinal Cord Injuries
Overview
Spinal cord injuries in newborns are rare but can lead to permanent paralysis or neurological damage.
Causes
Hyperextension of the neck during delivery
Breech birth complications
Excessive force or traction
Symptoms
Loss of movement in limbs
Breathing difficulties
Weak reflexes
Legal Implications
Doctors must take precautions during high-risk deliveries. Medical errors leading to spinal cord injuries may warrant legal action.
8. Perinatal Asphyxia
Overview
Perinatal asphyxia occurs when a baby does not receive enough oxygen before, during, or immediately after birth.
Causes
Prolonged labor
Cord prolapse
Placental insufficiency
Maternal infections
Symptoms
Bluish skin (cyanosis)
Low heart rate
Weak muscle tone
Seizures
Legal Implications
Failure to monitor fetal oxygen levels and respond promptly can be considered medical negligence.
Seeking Legal Help for Birth Injuries
Birth injuries can lead to lifelong medical challenges, emotional distress, and financial burdens. Families may be entitled to compensation for:
Medical bills
Ongoing therapy and rehabilitation
Special education and assistive devices
Pain and suffering
At The Town Law LLC, our Philadelphia birth injury attorneys specialize in helping families navigate medical malpractice claims. If you believe your child’s injury was caused by negligence, contact us today for a free consultation.