Birth injuries are more common than many people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about one in every 33 babies (roughly 120,000 each year) is born with a birth defect. While many of these conditions occur naturally and cannot be prevented, some result from medical negligence. If your child’s condition was caused by improper medical care before, during, or after birth, you may have the right to pursue compensation. Attorney Matthew Breen, your dedicated birth injury lawyer, is here to educate you on the most common injuries and illustrate how we can investigate your case and help you hold negligent providers accountable.
Common Causes of Birth Injuries
Doctors and other healthcare professionals have a duty to provide safe, attentive, and skillful medical care. When this duty is breached, serious consequences can occur for both mother and child. A birth injury lawyer often investigates situations involving:
- Failure to perform or correctly interpret prenatal tests
- Misreading fetal or maternal vital signs during labor
- Not prescribing appropriate medications or treatments
- Using excessive force or improper instruments during delivery
- Delaying induction or a necessary cesarean section
Even a single mistake during childbirth can result in an injury during delivery, changing the course of a family’s life forever.
Types of Injuries Seen by a Birth Injury Lawyer
Understanding the specific types of trauma during delivery can help you recognize whether medical negligence may have played a role in your child’s condition. These are the most common types.
Cephalohematoma
Cephalohematoma occurs when blood vessels under a newborn’s scalp rupture during delivery. This can happen naturally or due to the improper use of a vacuum extractor or forceps. The injury typically appears as a soft, raised bump on the baby’s head. While most cases resolve within weeks, severe cases may require medical monitoring or treatment.
Brachial Palsy
Brachial palsy affects the nerves that control the shoulder, arm, and hand. It often develops when an infant’s shoulders are pulled too forcefully during delivery. The child may experience weakness, reduced mobility, or total paralysis in the affected arm. Some infants recover with physical therapy, but others may need surgery or long-term care.
Facial Paralysis
Facial paralysis can result from excessive pressure on the baby’s face during birth or from improper use of forceps. The newborn might have difficulty closing one eye or moving parts of the face. While mild injuries may heal, permanent nerve damage can cause lifelong effects.
Families facing these conditions can benefit from the guidance of a dedicated South Carolina birth injury lawyer who can protect their rights.
Working With a Birth Injury Lawyer in South Carolina
If you believe your child’s injury was caused by negligence, the next step is to speak with an experienced attorney. A qualified personal injury lawyer will guide you through each phase of your case, from investigation to resolution. Your attorney will:
- Review medical records and delivery reports for evidence of negligence.
- Consult medical experts to confirm that the standard of care was breached.
- Calculate the full cost of medical treatment, therapy, and long-term care.
- Negotiate with insurance companies and hospital representatives.
- File a lawsuit if a fair settlement cannot be reached.
At Lowcountry Law, LLC, attorney Matthew Breen leads our South Carolina legal team with professionalism and integrity. Whether your child’s condition requires lifelong care or ongoing rehabilitation, we can help you pursue justice and financial security. We understand the emotional and financial strain these cases bring, and we are committed to helping your family find relief and stability.
Schedule a Free Consultation WIth a Birth Injury Lawyer Today
If you or your newborn has suffered harm due to medical negligence, reach out to Lowcountry Law, LLC, for a free, confidential consultation today. We will fight for accountability and help protect your child’s future.
