What Are The Effects Of A Birth Injury?

Believe it or not, over 1 million people in the US alone have some sort of brain damage – an overwhelming amount of these people are infants and children.

PHYSICAL TRAUMA THAT CAUSES A BIRTH INJURY

While trauma can happen during a delivery, it can also happen after a delivery as well. Some of the most common reasons for a birth injury include:

Excessive Pulling: if a doctor pulls too hard or does so in a rough manner, this can lead to a birth injury which could result in a traumatic brain injury.

Abnormal Use Of Tools: If birthing tools or birthing assist tools are used, such as forceps or a vacuum extraction, and they are used improperly.

Difficulties During Labor: A difficult labor can also cause brain damage in a baby such as extended periods of pushing or contractions. This can happen if the baby’s head is knocked against the mother’s pelvis.

Results Of A TBI In Infants

SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF BIRTH INJURY

Acidosis – Acidic Blood
Ischemia – Decreased blood flow to the baby’s brain
Hypotension – Low Blood Pressure

LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF A BIRTH INJURY

Epilepsy
Intellectual and Learning Disabilities
*Psychological issues
Motor disorders
Visual impairments
Hearing impairments
Feeding problems, nutritional concerns, and oral health issues
Orthopedic issues
Respiratory conditions
Seizures

While all of these effects have scientific and medical proof, psychological issues specifically such as anger issues, aggressive personalities, panic attacks, and anxiety have been linked to birthing injuries for infants.

In the end, it depends on what type of a birth injury or TBI injury your baby has that will result in either short or long term issues, now or in the future.

The long-term effects of a TBI injury will require long-term specialized care. Your baby/child also may need special medicine, rehabilitation or behavioral therapies. These requirements can lead to a heavy financial and emotional burden on many families, not to mention the child.

According to the CDC, if your baby has cerebral palsy because of a traumatic brain injury, their disabilities, treatment, and care could cost a family up to $1m for lifetime costs.

If you believe that your baby has any of the short or long-term effects mentioned above, contact a lawyer.

If you would like to talk to a lawyer about birth injuries or birth defects or you think that you are owed money for your baby’s injuries, contact Sloat & Nicholson at 1-800-873-3202.