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Sometimes, despite the best efforts of parents to have a healthy pregnancy, injuries happen during the birth that can lead to lifelong complications. When these injuries are the result of medical malpractice, an attorney may able to get you financial compensation to pay for the special care your child needs. After a birth injury in Annapolis , make an appointment with a malpractice attorney to evaluate your case and determine your options for compensation. Here are some of the most common birth injuries that could be the result of medical malpractice.

Brachial Plexus Injuries

Brachial plexus injuries occur when the nerves running through the upper spine and into the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands are injured. During birth, these injuries can occur as the result of prolonged labor or other complications during the delivery that require the use of forceps of vacuums. The use of excessive force during a hand delivery can also lead to a brachial plexus injury. The symptoms of a brachia plexus injury can involve partial or total paralysis on the side of the body that is affected, claw-like hands, and abnormal muscle contractions. Often, recovery from brachial plexus injuries occurs within three to six months, but with more severe cases, permanent disability is possible.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is not always caused by a birth injury, but it can be. It leads to delayed brain development and motor deficiency, and it varies in severity, leading to lifelong disability in some cases. A number of mistakes in the birthing process can cause cerebral palsy, including excessive pressure during a hand or forceps delivery and allowing the child to be deprived of oxygen for too long during an extended delivery. Anything that causes a brain injury during birth or immediately after can cause cerebral palsy.

Shoulder Dystocia

A shoulder dystocia injury puts both mother and baby at risk. It occurs when the baby’s shoulder is stuck behind the pelvic bone of the mother. For mothers, it can lead to uterine rupture and dangerous hemorrhaging. For babies, fractures, brachial plexus injuries, and cerebral palsy are all potential outcomes.