New York City Spinal Cord Birth Injury Lawyer
Of all the different types of birth injuries, those involving the spinal cord are some of the rarest. The incident rates are approximately one case in every 29,000 births. Still, when a newborn suffers a spinal cord birth injury, the effects are devastating. After this type of injury, children may require a lifetime of assistive services and medical care to cope with the physical, mental, and financial losses.
The long-term care required is expensive but if your child was hurt as a result of negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Our New York City spinal cord birth injury lawyer can help you obtain the full settlement your family is entitled to.
How Do Spinal Cord Birth Injuries Happen?
Labor and delivery is very stressful for both the mother and child. This trauma can damage a child’s spinal cord, especially if there are additional complications such as:
- Improper use of vacuum extractors or forceps, particularly if doctors pull or twist the baby’s body or head as they move it through the birth canal,
- Improperly rotating the child into the ideal position for vaginal delivery,
- Breech birth, which is when a child is both bottom or feet first, causing the neck, head, or back to become stuck in the birth canal, and
- Shoulder dystocia, which occurs when the child’s shoulders become stuck in the pelvis of the mother.
Spinal cord birth injuries can also result from certain fetal conditions. For example, spina bifida is a condition in which the neural tube does not develop or close properly. This causes the spinal cord to protrude through the spinal column. While spina bifida is not a birth injury, children who are born with it are more likely to suffer a spinal cord birth injury.
Signs and Symptoms of a Spinal Cord Birth Injury
While spinal cord birth injuries are sometimes apparent immediately, there are times when symptoms develop in the first week of a birth. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of a spinal cord birth injury are as follows:
- Low oxygen levels,
- Spasming and seizures,
- Difficulty feeding,
- Low heart rate,
- Curled hands and feet,
- Indifference to touch, and
- Stiff or weak limbs.
The above are also signs and symptoms of other conditions, such as cerebral palsy. Doctors should conduct a number of tests, which may include CT scans, X-rays, and MRIs so they can diagnose the condition. When the injury was caused by negligence during delivery, doctors can be held liable for making a medical mistake.
Our Spinal Cord Birth Injury Lawyer in New York City Can Help Your Child
If you believe your child suffered a spinal cord birth injury due to negligence, you should not wait to speak to an experienced attorney about your case. At Michael Gunzburg, P.C., our New York City spinal cord birth injury lawyer can identify the liable party and accurately value your claim so you obtain the full and fair damages you deserve. Call us today at 212-725-8500 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more.
