Birth Injury Lawyer in Little Rock

Injuries that occur during labor and delivery can cause serious physical harm to newborn children. In severe cases, they can have lifelong consequences that impact the entire family. In a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics, researchers found that the prevalence of birth trauma increased over a recent period of nine years and that major birth trauma is a significant health burden. If your child was injured at birth because of medical negligence, it is in your best interests to speak with a birth injury attorney in Little Rock as soon as possible.

pregnant woman in wheelchair with nurse pushing the chair

Your Child's Well-Being Comes First

In a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics, researchers found that the prevalence of birth trauma increased over a recent period of nine years and that major birth trauma is a significant health burden. If your child was injured at birth because of medical negligence, it is in your best interests to speak with a birth injury attorney in Little Rock as soon as possible.

What are Some Common Birth Injuries and Their Causes?

Birth injuries occur in approximately 25.3 to 31.1 out of 1000 hospital births, as stated in a recent study on head injury during childbirth. They can range in severity from temporary and mild to severe injuries that impact the child’s health and development for life. The following are some of the most common serious birth injuries:

Bone Fractures

Most infant fractures from trauma during childbirth are associated with abnormal presentations or complex extractions. Clavicle fractures occur in up to 15 per 1000 live births, according to a recent study on birth trauma published by the National Library of Medicine. The clavicle can break during a breech delivery or with difficulty in delivering the infant’s shoulder. The humerus (upper arm bone) is the most common long bone to be fractured during birth.

Intracranial Hemorrhage

Also known as “brain bleed,” this condition is most common in surgically assisted deliveries in which a vacuum, forceps, or both are used to deliver the child. Intracranial hemorrhage during delivery can cause brain injuries, leading to lifelong physical and cognitive disorders.

Cerebral Palsy

The term “cerebral” refers to the brain. “Palsy” means paralysis, or loss or impairment of motor function. Cerebral palsy (CP) may be caused by damage to the brain during labor or delivery. It is a group of neurological disorders that permanently affect muscle coordination and body movement. A significant percentage of individuals with CP have intellectual disabilities. When oxygen flow to the infant’s brain is interrupted during a difficult or traumatic childbirth, the resulting brain cell death can lead to cerebral palsy.

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)

Oxygen deprivation before or during labor and delivery or after birth can cause damage to the infant’s brain. While mild to moderate HIE may have no long-term consequences, severe HIE can lead to brain injury that causes cognitive impairments and developmental disorders. Failure to diagnose maternal health issues, improper monitoring of the infant during labor, failure to perform a necessary C-section, inappropriate use of forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery, and inadequate resuscitation after birth are examples of medical negligence that can cause HIE.

What is the Role of a Medical Malpractice Lawyer in an Arkansas Birth Injury Case?

An experienced medical malpractice attorney can provide specialized legal assistance and play a critical role when medical negligence results in injury during childbirth. Essential functions of a birth injury attorney in Little Rock include the following:

Assessment to determine the legal merit of the case based on evidence of medical negligence
Securing evidence to support the claim
Filing the necessary legal documents
Building the case through discovery
Settlement negotiations to maximize compensation
Trial preparation and litigation if a settlement cannot be reached

Why Choose McMath Woods?

Medical malpractice is a complex legal field. Our seasoned trial lawyers at McMath Woods understand the law and can negotiate skillfully with insurance companies. We can thoroughly investigate your case and advocate for your child’s rights in the courtroom. Our firm has served injury victims with personal attention and proven results since 1953. Contact us for a free consultation if you believe your child has suffered birth injury through medical negligence.