Birth Injuries

Personal Injury Lawyers Serving Tucson, Phoenix, Flagstaff and all Arizona communities

Giving birth to a child is one of the most delightful moments of any parent’s life. However, this joyous occasion can easily be tainted if any complications arise during the labor and delivery process. While some birth injuries are unavoidable, especially with difficult deliveries, a number of them are actually caused by negligent doctor care. If your child has suffered irreparable damage because your doctor failed to perform up to expected standards, then you may have the right to damages.

Birth Injury Risk Factors

Depending on the birth situation, an infant may run a higher risk of suffering a birth injury. Factors that may contribute to a more difficult delivery, and therefore a higher chance of injury, include the following:

• • Large birth weight
  • Premature birth
  • Odd shape and size of mother’s hips
  • Large fetal head
  • Breech
  • Use of forceps during delivery

All circumstances are unique, and because of this a safe delivery cannot be guaranteed. However, when a doctor is obviously negligent with his or her patients, a personal injury case may be successfully filed.

Types of Birth Injuries

There are a number of birth injuries that can affect any part of the baby’s body. Some of the more common, serious injuries include the following:

• • Caput succedaneum
  • Facial paralysis
  • Bone fractures
  • Erb’s palsy
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Cephalohematoma

If your child has unfairly been the victim of one of these injuries, you may have the right to compensation.