Was your child injured during labor or delivery as a result of a medical error? Birth injuries often happen when healthcare providers fail to follow proper procedures or respond to signs of distress in a reasonable amount of time.
Unfortunately, these situations are often preventable, and it’s not uncommon for them to result in permanent harm. At Birth Injury Lawyers Group, we understand how devastating this can be, but you are not alone. A birth injury lawyer in Springfield can help.
Since 2003, we have recovered more than $750 million in compensation. We’re here to represent you as your Missouri birth injury lawyer. Let us stand by your side, advocate for your rights, and work toward the justice your family deserves.
What Is a Birth Injury?
A birth injury refers to any physical harm that occurs to a baby during the labor and delivery process. These injuries may also extend to the mother in cases involving negligent prenatal care or improper delivery procedures.
Unlike birth defects—which are typically the result of either genetic or developmental issues that occur during pregnancy—birth injuries are often linked to trauma during childbirth. In many cases, they are preventable, and errors in medical judgment often cause them.
"If your child was born with a birth injury, or cerebral palsy, we can help."
Common Causes of Birth Injuries in Springfield
Birth injuries can occur for many reasons. Some arise from natural complications, while others are the result of avoidable mistakes. In the state of Arizona, hospitals and clinics are expected to follow standard medical protocols with the goal of minimizing potential risks.
When those protocols are either ignored or mishandled, injury may happen as a result. On that note, these are common causes of birth injuries:
- Delayed C–section: When signs of fetal distress—such as low oxygen levels or abnormal heart rates—are present, a prompt cesarean section may be required. Delays in the performance of a C-section can lead to severe complications, including brain damage.
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors: Tools like forceps and vacuum extractors can assist in difficult deliveries. However, the misuse of these instruments can lead to skull fractures, brain bleeds, or facial nerve damage.
- Failure to monitor fetal distress: Modern labor rooms are equipped with electronic fetal monitors. Failure to monitor or act on signs of fetal distress may result in oxygen deprivation and long-term brain injuries.
- Umbilical cord complications: A prolapsed cord, a cord wrapped around the baby’s neck—known as the nuchal cord—or cord compression can all restrict oxygen and blood flow. Delayed responses to these emergencies can be life-threatening.
- Prolonged labor: Long or obstructed labor can increase the risk of injuries. It may lead to shoulder dystocia, fetal hypoxia, or uterine rupture if not properly managed.
- Inappropriate use of labor–inducing drugs: Drugs like Pitocin—or oxytocin—can be used to stimulate contractions. Improper doses can cause contractions that are too strong or more frequent, which can put added stress on the baby.
- Negligent prenatal care: Failure to diagnose and treat conditions like gestational diabetes, infections, or preeclampsia during pregnancy can increase the risk of complications during birth.
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Types of Birth Injuries That Your Child Could Have Sustained
The range of possible birth injuries varies in terms of severity. Some are temporary, and those often resolve over time with proper treatment. Meanwhile, others result in permanent disabilities that require ongoing and lifelong care.
These are common birth injuries in cases like yours:
- Cerebral palsy: A group of disorders that affect movement and muscle tone, cerebral palsy is often caused by oxygen deprivation or head trauma during delivery. It can result in varying degrees of motor impairment, cognitive delays, and speech issues.
- Brachial plexus injuries (Erb’s Palsy): The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that controls movement in the arms and shoulders. These nerves may be stretched, compressed, or torn during delivery—particularly in shoulder dystocia cases—leading to partial or total paralysis in the affected limb.
- Facial nerve injuries: Damage to the facial nerve may occur during delivery, especially if the forceps are used improperly. This can result in drooping on one side of your child’s face or their inability to move facial muscles.
- Skull fractures and intracranial hemorrhage: Difficult deliveries—especially those involving the use of assistive devices—can lead to fractures or bleeding in the baby’s brain. These injuries may result in seizures, developmental delays, or long-term cognitive impairment.
- Spinal cord injuries: Rare but serious, spinal cord injuries can result from excessive traction or rotation during delivery. The outcome of these circumstances can involve paralysis in addition to other permanent impairments.
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE): A form of brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation, HIE can occur when fetal distress is not addressed promptly. The condition may cause seizures, feeding-related difficulties, and long-term neurological disorders.
- Fractured bones: Broken clavicles or fractured arms can result from difficult deliveries, especially when a baby is large or in a breech position.
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Statute of Limitations That Your Springfield Birth Injury Lawyers Will Pay Attention To When Handling Your Case
The statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Arizona is often two years from the date of injury according to ARS § 12-542. However, in birth injury cases involving children who are legally minors, this timeline is often tolled—or paused—until the child turns 18 years old.
That said, parents or guardians may choose to bring a claim on behalf of the child sooner rather than later. This is often preferred when it comes to securing evidence and preserving testimonies.
It’s important to note that for injuries to the mother, the two-year statute of limitations begins on the date the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered.
"Our Birth Injury Lawyers have recovered over $750+ Million on behalf of our clients."
Contact Our Birth Injury Law Firm in Springfield for Help Today
If your child suffered from a birth-related injury, you shouldn’t have to carry the burden of such an isolating and overwhelming experience all alone. These cases are heartbreaking and convoluted, but you deserve justice. That’s where we come into the picture.
At Birth Injury Lawyers Group, our Springfield birth injury lawyers have experience handling these sensitive claims and pursuing justice for Arizona families just like yours. Don’t wait to get in touch with our birth injury law firm in Springfield.
The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start working on holding the at-fault parties accountable for their actions or lack thereof. We’re here to fight for the care and compensation your family needs as you focus on healing and recovering. Reach out today.
"We are committed to helping families who have suffered medical negligence."