Protecting Your Baby’s Future
At Van Wey, Metzler & Williams, we understand the profound emotional and physical challenges that infant spinal cord injuries caused by birth trauma bring to families. While advances in prenatal care and delivery techniques have reduced the occurrence of these injuries, they remain a serious risk in cases of medical negligence or improper obstetrical care.
A spinal cord injury during birth can lead to lifelong complications for your child, including paralysis, breathing difficulties, and other life-altering conditions. Our team of dedicated medical malpractice attorneys is here to provide guidance, advocacy, and support to ensure justice and compensation for your family.
What Causes Infant Spinal Cord Injuries at Birth?
During labor and delivery, excessive mechanical force or improper medical interventions can lead to injuries to a baby’s spinal cord. These injuries can range from bruising (contusion) to partial or complete tears (transection). Most commonly, spinal cord injuries affect the cervical (neck) and thoracic (upper and mid-back) regions, which can have significant implications for a baby’s motor and sensory functions.
Key risk factors and causes of spinal cord injury during birth include:
- Abnormal fetal presentation: Breech positions increase the risk of spinal cord damage.
- Excessive traction or force: This often occurs during deliveries involving shoulder dystocia.
- Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD): When the baby’s size is incompatible with the mother’s pelvic structure.
- Use of birth-assisting tools: Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors.
- Prolonged or rapid labor: Both scenarios can lead to traumatic delivery.
- Prematurity or very low birth weight: Premature infants are particularly fragile and vulnerable.
- Traction during breech deliveries: Improper handling can lead to cervical or thoracic injuries.
Doctors must be vigilant in recognizing these risks and should intervene appropriately, such as opting for a C-section when necessary, to prevent spinal cord injuries.
Recognizing Signs of Spinal Cord Injury in Newborns
The effects of a spinal cord injury depend on the extent and location of the damage. Injuries higher up the spinal cord, particularly in the neck region, often result in more severe symptoms. Indicators of spinal cord injury in a newborn may include:
- Weak or floppy muscles (hypotonia).
- Difficulty moving the chest, arms, or legs.
- Loss of sensation or movement below the injury site.
- Breathing difficulties.
- Reduced bowel and bladder control.
- Inability to regulate heart rate, blood pressure, or body temperature.
In severe cases, spinal cord injuries can lead to conditions like paraplegia (loss of movement and sensation in the lower body) or quadriplegia (loss of movement and sensation from the chest down).
Diagnosis and Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries
Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to minimize the long-term effects of spinal cord injuries. Physicians should perform a thorough evaluation using diagnostic tools such as:
- MRI or CT scans to assess spinal cord damage.
- Cranial ultrasounds to evaluate the baby’s brain and spinal cord.
- X-rays and blood tests to identify associated complications.
While spinal cord injuries are often permanent, early intervention can significantly improve outcomes. Treatments may include:
- Immobilization to prevent further damage.
- Medication: Corticosteroids and other drugs to reduce inflammation and protect nerve cells.
- Physical and occupational therapy: To enhance motor function and independence.
- Supportive care: Mechanical ventilation, feeding tubes, and bladder catheterization.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to stabilize the injury.
Long-term care often involves an interdisciplinary team to manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and promote as much independence as possible.
The Role of Medical Malpractice in Spinal Cord Injuries
Most spinal cord injuries at birth are preventable with proper medical care. Unfortunately, negligence by healthcare providers can lead to these devastating outcomes. Examples of medical malpractice that may cause spinal cord injuries include:
- Failure to recognize fetal distress or other risk factors.
- Improper use of forceps, vacuum extractors, or other tools.
- Failure to recommend or perform a necessary C-section.
- Excessive traction during delivery, especially in cases of breech presentation.
- Mismanagement of maternal health conditions that increase the risk of complications.
When healthcare providers fail to follow established medical standards, their negligence can lead to catastrophic injuries for newborns and significant emotional and financial burdens for families.
How Van Wey, Metzler & Williams Can Help
At Van Wey, Metzler & Williams, we are committed to holding negligent healthcare providers accountable and securing the compensation your family needs. We understand the lifelong challenges that spinal cord injuries bring, and we will fight tirelessly to ensure your child has access to the medical care, therapies, and support they deserve.
Our compassionate legal team has extensive experience handling birth injury cases, including those involving spinal cord trauma. We work with medical experts to build strong cases and provide the best possible representation for your family.
Contact Us Today
If your child has suffered a spinal cord injury due to medical negligence, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Let Van Wey, Metzler & Williams help you secure the justice and resources your family needs. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Together, we can work toward a brighter future for your child.
Van Wey, Metzler & Williams
Protecting families. Pursuing justice. Changing lives.