Giving birth should be a safe and carefully monitored process, yet thousands of families each year experience preventable injuries during labor and delivery. Many of these complications occur when medical providers fail to follow established standards of care, ignore warning signs, or use improper delivery techniques. When negligence leads to harm, families are often left navigating long-term medical needs, emotional distress, and financial burdens.
The birth injury lawyers at Bailey Cowan Heckaman (BCH) are here to help parents understand the most common, yet avoidable complications during delivery, how they occur, and what actions to take if you believe medical negligence played a role.
1. Infections Caused by Poor Hygiene or Delayed Diagnosis
Infections during labor and delivery can put both the mother and baby at serious risk, especially when undiagnosed or untreated. Medical professionals have a duty to follow proper hygiene protocols, perform timely screenings, and monitor maternal and fetal health throughout labor.
Common Causes of Infections During Delivery
Several types of infections can arise during delivery, including Group B Strep (GBS), chorioamnionitis, urinary tract infections, and post-cesarean wound infections. Some of the most common causes include:
- Failure to test for or treat GBS prior to delivery
- Use of non-sterile medical instruments
- Prolonged labor without proper monitoring
- Delayed diagnosis of maternal fever or fetal distress
- Failure to administer appropriate antibiotics when needed
When infections are not caught early, complications such as sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis, and long-term neurological damage may occur. These outcomes are often preventable when healthcare providers act promptly and follow accepted medical standards.
2. Fractures Due to Improper Delivery Techniques
Newborn fractures, especially clavicle or collarbone fractures, frequently occur when excessive force is applied during delivery. While some fractures can be unavoidable in difficult births, many result from improper technique. Medical staff should be trained to recognize challenges such as fetal size, positioning, or maternal pelvic limitations before resorting to force.
Complications often arise when practitioners use too much pressure during manual delivery, incorrectly apply forceps or vacuum extractors, or fail to offer a timely cesarean section when complications arise. A fractured bone can cause significant pain, limited mobility, and, in some cases, long-lasting complications if not properly managed.
When a fracture occurs due to negligence, families may face additional hospital time, increased medical bills, and long-term monitoring, all of which may have been avoidable with safer practices.
3. Erb’s Palsy from Shoulder Dystocia Mismanagement
Erb’s palsy is a form of brachial plexus injury that occurs when a baby's shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother's pelvic bone during birth, a complication known as shoulder dystocia. Skilled clinicians should be equipped with the knowledge and training to handle dystocia safely and efficiently. When shoulder dystocia is mishandled, lifelong nerve damage can occur.
Understanding the Risk Factors of Shoulder Dystocia
Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of shoulder dystocia, including:
- Maternal diabetes
- Large fetal size
- Previous birth complicated by shoulder dystocia
- Prolonged labor
- Use of forceps or vacuum extractors
Even when these risk factors are present, Erb’s palsy is often preventable. Medical staff should recognize at-risk pregnancies, prepare for possible interventions, and employ accepted maneuvers rather than forceful pulling. When proper care is not taken, infants may suffer weakness, paralysis, or loss of function in the affected arm.
4. Cerebral Palsy Caused by Oxygen Deprivation
Cerebral palsy is one of the most serious catastrophic injuries from life-altering complications that can arise during delivery. Although not every case is linked to negligence, oxygen deprivation during birth is a well-known preventable cause. When a baby’s brain does not receive enough oxygen, even for a short period, permanent damage can occur.
Long-Term Impacts on Motor Control and Cognitive Development
Children with cerebral palsy may experience challenges such as:
- Muscle stiffness or weakness
- Difficulty with balance and coordination
- Developmental delays
- Seizures
- Speech and communication difficulties
- Lifelong cognitive or learning disabilities
Monitoring fetal heart rate, responding quickly to signs of distress, and intervening appropriately are essential parts of preventing oxygen deprivation. When medical professionals fail to act on clear warning signs, the consequences can be devastating and lifelong.
5. Preeclampsia and Failure to Monitor Maternal Health
Preeclampsia is a dangerous pregnancy condition characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage. It is one of the leading causes of maternal and infant complications, yet with proper monitoring and early intervention, many severe outcomes can be prevented.
Preeclampsia Warning Signs
Medical providers should monitor for signs such as:
- Elevated blood pressure
- Severe headaches
- Protein in the urine
- Swelling of hands or face
- Vision changes
- Sudden weight gain
Failure to diagnose or treat preeclampsia can lead to premature birth, placental abruption, seizures, stroke, organ failure, and even maternal or infant death. Early detection and timely delivery planning are critical. Negligence occurs when providers ignore symptoms, delay treatment, or fail to act on critical blood pressure readings.
Taking Action After a Preventable Birth Complication
Families facing birth injuries often feel overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of where to turn. When complications during delivery result from medical negligence, parents have the right to seek answers and pursue justice. Early legal action can help secure resources for long-term care, therapy, medical equipment, and future needs.
If you believe a preventable birth injury has occurred, give your family the fighting chance you deserve by collecting as much evidence of any potential negligence as possible. Then, contact an attorney whose priority is protecting your child’s future.
A knowledgeable birth injury attorney can help by reviewing medical records, consulting experts, identifying errors in care, and building a strong case to hold negligent providers accountable.
Reach Out to BCH’s Birth Injury Lawyers Today
Bailey Cowan Heckaman is nationally recognized for representing families impacted by preventable birth injuries. Our firm has extensive experience handling cases involving cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, infections, fractures, and maternal complications. Our experienced legal team understands the emotional and financial burdens families face and is dedicated to helping you secure the compensation needed to move forward. Whether your child was injured as a result of medical negligence, an injury caused by drugs, a defective product, or a lack of care, we are prepared to help you.
Here are several ways BCH supports families during these difficult cases:
- Investigating medical records and identifying errors or deviations from the standard of care
- Consulting leading medical experts to analyze injuries and confirm negligence
- Calculating long-term medical, therapy, and life-care costs to pursue full compensation
- Handling communication with hospitals, insurance companies, and opposing counsel
- Building a strong legal strategy to hold negligent providers accountable
- Representing families in settlement negotiations or at trial
- Offering compassionate guidance throughout every stage of the case
If you believe your child suffered a preventable injury during delivery, you do not have to wait for answers. Contact us today at (713) 425-7100 to speak with a compassionate and experienced birth injury attorney. Our legal team is ready to review your case, explain your options, and advocate for your family’s rights during this trying time.
