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Detroit Birth Injuries Lawyers

The birth of your child is supposed to be a joyous and exciting occasion. Unfortunately, the negligence and carelessness of medical practitioners during the birth process all too often causes newborns to be seriously harmed, turning a happy occasion into one full of worry and pain. From lifelong disabilities to life-threatening illnesses and injuries, these birth injuries can have a significant effect on both a baby and his or her family.

At Ravid & Associates, P.C., we know the pain that Michigan families feel when a newborn child is injured during birth due to a medical professional’s lack of diligent care. Because of the significant amount of harm birth injuries can cause, physically, emotionally, and financially, taking legal action against the medical professional responsible for the harm is often critical, as it can provide a family with much-needed closure and compensation.

Dangerous Birth Injuries

The birth process can be dangerous enough, without a medical practitioner acting irresponsibly. Unfortunately, when a medical professional acts carelessly, a baby may be harmed by any number of birth injuries, including the following:

  • Cephalohematoma
  • Facial Paralysis
  • Brachial / Erb’s Palsy
  • External Injuries
  • Internal Injuries
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Brain / Spinal Damage
  • Infections
  • Shaken Baby Syndrome

Depending on which of these or other birth injuries your baby suffers from, he or she could be facing years, or even a lifetime, of discomfort, pain, and complications. However, it should be the medical party responsible for the injury that shoulders the brunt of these burdens, not you and your family.

Birth Injury Statistics In Michigan

Birth injuries can have profound and lasting impacts on newborns as well as their families, making it essential to thoroughly understand their prevalence, causes, and the steps being taken to reduce them. In Michigan, the rates of birth injuries vary based on various factors, including maternal age, the type of medical interventions used during delivery, and the overall quality of healthcare services available. A detailed examination of this subject can provide crucial insights into the areas that require attention and improvement in both maternal and neonatal care.

Prevalence of Birth Injuries in Michigan

Although the occurrence of birth injuries is relatively low, their effects can be both significant and life-altering. According to statistics from Michigan’s Department of Health & Human Services, approximately 0.1% of all live births in the state involve significant birth injuries. These injuries can manifest in various forms, such as skeletal fractures, which often occur during difficult deliveries; peripheral nerve damage, which may result from traction during labor; or soft tissue hemorrhages, which can lead to long-term complications. In addition, around 9.6% of newborns may require admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) due to complications that arose during the birthing process. This data highlights the importance of ongoing assessments and interventions in preventing these complications.

Common Types of Birth Injuries

In Michigan, several types of birth injuries are most frequently reported. These include:

Brachial Plexus Injuries – This type of injury involves damage to the brachial plexus, a network of nerves controlling the arm. It is often caused by excessive pulling during delivery, especially when the baby’s shoulder becomes lodged in the birth canal.

Cerebral Palsy – A neurological condition characterized by movement and posture challenges, this disorder is often linked to oxygen deprivation that may occur during delivery. The impact of cerebral palsy can vary widely, affecting an individual’s mobility and quality of life.

Fractures – Clavicle fractures are notably among the most common birth-related injuries, usually resulting from shoulder dystocia where the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck during delivery. –

Brain Hemorrhages – These are serious conditions manifested as internal bleeding due to trauma sustained during birth. They can lead to severe neurological consequences depending on the area of the brain affected.

Facial Nerve Damage – This injury occurs when pressure from forceps used during delivery or from prolonged labor results in damage to the facial nerves, which may affect the newborn’s ability to move their facial muscles.

Risk Factors for Birth Injuries

Several identifiable risk factors contribute to the likelihood of experiencing a birth injury. These include:

Maternal Age – Women who are older, particularly those aged 35 and above, may face a slightly heightened risk of encountering complications during labor and delivery.

Premature Births – Newborns delivered before the 37-week gestational mark are more susceptible to various types of injuries due to their underdeveloped bodies and organs.

Medical Interventions – The application of medical interventions, such as the use of forceps or vacuum extraction during delivery, as well as the occurrence of emergency cesarean sections, can raise the risk of birth injuries.

Prolonged Labor – Extended periods of labor may lead to complications like oxygen deprivation for the newborn, contributing to the likelihood of physical trauma.

Efforts to Reduce Birth Injuries

Healthcare providers across Michigan are taking deliberate steps to decrease the incidence of birth injuries through various initiatives, including:

Improved Prenatal Care – Comprehensive prenatal care, which involves regular screenings and timely interventions, helps to identify potential risks early in the pregnancy. This approach allows for the necessary planning and preparation for safer deliveries.

Enhanced Training for Medical Staff – Hospitals are prioritizing the training of medical personnel in best practices for labor and delivery. Continuous education and workshops are conducted to ensure that healthcare providers are well-informed about the latest techniques and safety protocols.

Technology Integration – The implementation of advanced monitoring systems is essential for the early detection of fetal distress. These technologies allow for real-time assessment of the baby’s health, enabling timely interventions when abnormalities are detected.

Contact Our Birth Injuries Attorneys in Detroit

While birth injuries in Michigan are relatively uncommon, their implications can be severe for affected families. A comprehensive understanding of the statistics, types, and risk factors associated with birth injuries empowers healthcare providers and parents alike to take proactive measures that promote safer deliveries and positive outcomes for newborns. Continued advancements in medical care, integration of technology, and robust patient education will be crucial in reducing the incidence of birth-related complications and enhancing the overall quality of care for expectant mothers and their babies.

If your innocent baby has suffered from a birth injury due to medical malpractice or negligence, then you and your family could be owed financial compensation. Our attorneys at Ravid & Associates, P.C., are dedicated to helping families in this situation get the compensation and support they need. Call us at (248) 948-9696 to talk with a compassionate team member about your options and how we can help.