Bone Fractures: When a Newborn Suffers a Birth Injury

It’s possible for a baby to suffer broken bones during delivery, including the clavicle and the long arm and leg bones. Some of these injuries may be caused by medical negligence and could result in a birth injury lawsuit. If your baby was injured, it’s important to understand how these breaks occur, the effects of this birth injury, and how an attorney can help you determine whether you have a birth injury lawsuit. Bone fracutures during labor

How Bone Fractures Occur

The risk for bone fractures increases with the complexity of the delivery; however, a bone fracture may occur for a variety of reasons, including:

  • A breech baby. When a baby is positioned to come through the birth canal feet first or buttocks first, instead of head first, a doctor may attempt to pull the baby with more force or reposition the baby to ensure proper delivery.
  • A large baby. A baby’s size, especially the size of her head, can make travel through the birth canal more difficult, and a doctor may need to pull more than usual.
  • The use of surgical instruments. If a baby has a difficult time moving through the birth canal—for example, her shoulder is caught on the mother’s pelvis—a doctor may choose to use forceps or a vacuum extractor.
  • A small pelvis. If the mother’s bone structure and pelvic opening are too small, the doctor may have more difficulty guiding the baby out.

The Effects of Broken Bones

Although some broken bones are often stabilized by splint or cast and heal in a few weeks, others are not so simple. A bone fracture occurring at such a young age may negatively affect other important functions in the future, including:

  • Spinal health
  • Growth plate development
  • Nerve function
  • Muscle function

An Attorney Can Help You and Your Baby

Not every incident of a broken bone results in a medical malpractice lawsuit; however, it’s possible your baby was injured because a doctor was negligent, used excessive force, or improperly implemented surgical tools. The Holton Law Firm is ready to meet with you, investigate the evidence, and help you recover for your baby’s injuries. To discuss your case with an experienced legal team, give us a call today.

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