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Injuries Suffered At Birth

The birth of a healthy baby is one of life’s greatest joys. Sadly, not all children are born healthy. Some children are born with congenital conditions and others suffer injuries at birth. How common are injuries at birth? Studies have found that in the United States, there are between 5 to 27 birth injuries per 1,000 babies born. It is expected that the rate of birth injuries in Canada is equivalent.

While some birth injuries are unavoidable, some occur because a doctor or nurse fails to assess and respond to complications during a woman’s pregnancy or delivery. Amongst other issues, birth injuries can be caused by a failure to provide adequate prenatal care, a failure or delay in performing a caesarean section or the misuse of labour inducing drugs. Birth injuries can result in devastating life-long consequences to a child including cerebral palsy and quadriplegia.

If you or someone you know has a child who suffered an injury at birth it is important to consult with a lawyer who is experienced in cases involving birth trauma.