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Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries at Birth
Bringing a child into the world is an emotional and life-changing moment. Parents expect their newborn to be healthy and safe. Unfortunately, not all births go as planned. Sometimes, babies suffer fractures or other orthopedic injuries during childbirth. These injuries can be painful and may have long-term effects. If you suspect your child’s injury was preventable, it’s important to consult a birth injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Fractures and orthopedic injuries at birth happen for different reasons. Sometimes a baby’s position or size makes delivery harder. In other cases, medical staff might use too much force or make a mistake with delivery tools like forceps or vacuum extractors. Common fractures include broken collarbones (clavicle fractures) and broken arms or legs. Other injuries might involve damage to the joints, nerves, or even the spinal cord.
Medical teams are trained to recognize risk factors and act carefully during birth. They should monitor the baby’s size, the mother’s health, and the progress of labor. If they miss signs of distress or fail to use the right techniques, serious injuries can occur. If you believe medical negligence played a role in your child’s injury, a Philadelphia birth injury lawyer can explain your options for seeking justice.
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Common Causes of Birth Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries
Most birth fractures and orthopedic injuries stem from difficult deliveries. Large babies, breech births, and prolonged labor all raise the risks. Sometimes, the shape of the mother’s pelvis or the baby’s position makes a natural delivery more challenging. When doctors rush or use too much force, they can accidentally cause harm.
Forceps and vacuum extractors are common tools in tough deliveries. They help guide the baby out of the birth canal, but must be used with skill and care. If these tools slip or are used incorrectly, bones can break, joints can dislocate, and nerves can be damaged. Shoulder dystocia, when the baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone, is another situation that often leads to fractures. Doctors need to act quickly but gently to free the baby without causing harm.
Lack of proper prenatal care is also a factor. If medical teams don’t prepare for known risks or fail to recommend a cesarean section when it’s safer, injuries can happen. These cases may involve medical errors. A birth injury attorney can review your medical records and determine if your child’s injury was avoidable.
Signs and Symptoms of Orthopedic Birth Injuries
Not all birth injuries are obvious right away. Some fractures and orthopedic injuries may show clear signs, while others are harder to spot. Common symptoms include swelling, redness, or unusual movement in the baby’s arms, legs, or shoulders. A broken bone often causes the baby to cry when that area is touched or moved. Sometimes, the baby’s arm hangs limp or looks different from the other side.
Other signs might include limited movement or an inability to grip or flex a limb. In cases of nerve injury, a baby could have weakness or a loss of feeling in one area. Some injuries, like joint dislocations, can cause visible deformities. Parents might notice a bump or a joint that looks out of place.
If you see any of these signs, let your child’s doctor know immediately. Medical teams should take X-rays or other tests to confirm the injury and start treatment. If you’re worried that a birth injury was missed or not treated properly, a Philly birth injury attorney can help you get answers and seek proper care for your child.
Long-Term Effects and Medical Treatment for Birth Fractures
Most fractures in newborns heal well with proper care. Babies’ bones are flexible and often mend quickly. Doctors may use splints or slings to protect the area. In rare cases, surgery is needed, especially if bones are badly displaced or don’t heal as they should. Physical therapy may be needed if a joint or muscle is affected.
Some orthopedic injuries can lead to long-term problems. A fracture that affects a growth plate (the area where bones grow) can cause uneven growth or deformity. Nerve injuries can lead to weakness or loss of movement, especially if not treated early. Conditions like Erb’s palsy, which affects the nerves in the arm, can require long-term therapy and sometimes surgery.
Parents often worry about their child’s future. Will the injury affect walking, movement, or daily life? Early treatment is key. If you feel your child isn’t getting the right care, or if the injury was the result of medical negligence, contacting a Philadelphia birth injury lawyer is a wise first step. They can help you understand your rights and make sure your child gets the support and compensation they need for future care.
How a Birth Injury Lawyer Can Help Your Family
If your child suffered a birth fracture or orthopedic injury, you might feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. Medical bills, stress, and concern for your child’s future can pile up fast. That’s where a birth injury lawyer steps in. These attorneys know the laws surrounding birth injuries in Pennsylvania, including time limits for filing claims, and understand how to build a strong case.
A Philadelphia birth injury lawyer will review your medical records, consult with medical professionals, and gather evidence to show what went wrong. They’ll explain your options, handle communication with insurance companies and hospitals, and fight to get you compensation for medical costs, therapy, pain and suffering, and more. If your child developed cerebral palsy after a birth injury, a cerebral palsy lawyer can address your specific concerns.
You don’t have to face this challenge alone. Law firms like MyPhillyLawyer have handled many birth injury cases and are committed to helping families get justice. Reaching out for legal help can make a real difference for your child’s recovery and your family’s future.
FAQs About Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries at Birth
What are the most common birth fractures caused by medical negligence?
The most common fractures include broken collarbones, arms, and legs. These injuries often happen during a difficult delivery, especially when forceps or a vacuum extractor are used incorrectly. If you suspect negligence, a birth injury attorney can review your case and determine if you have grounds for a claim.
Can a baby fully recover from a birth-related orthopedic injury?
Most babies recover well from fractures when treated early. However, injuries to nerves, joints, or growth plates can cause long-term issues. Early therapy and medical care are important. If the injury was due to medical error, a Philadelphia birth injury lawyer can help you seek compensation for ongoing care.
How soon should I contact a lawyer if I think my baby was injured at birth?
It’s best to contact a Philadelphia birth injury lawyer as soon as possible. Pennsylvania law limits how long you have to file a claim. Acting quickly helps your attorney collect the evidence needed to prove your case and protect your child’s rights.
What kind of compensation can families receive in a birth injury lawsuit?
Compensation may cover medical bills, rehabilitation, physical therapy, assistive devices, pain and suffering, and even future lost wages if the injury leads to a permanent disability. A skilled Philly birth injury attorney will fight to get your family the full amount you deserve, so your child has the best possible chance for a healthy future.
Other Birth Injury Types & Medical Conditions Resources
- Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) in Newborns
- Spinal Cord Injuries During Labor and Delivery
- Perinatal Asphyxia & Oxygen Deprivation Injuries
- Caput Succedaneum & Cephalohematoma Explained
- Birth-Related Brain Damage and Cognitive Impairments
- Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries at Birth
- Facial Paralysis from Birth Trauma
- Shoulder Dystocia & Nerve Injury Cases
- Erb’s Palsy & Brachial Plexus Lawsuits
- Understanding Cerebral Palsy Birth Injury Claims in Philadelphia
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