Spinal Cord Damage Can Result From Birth Complications

Things can go wrong during the labor and delivery process, but it is often how the doctor, hospital and nursing staff react that makes a difference as to whether the infant will suffer a birth injury or not. Complications are unfortunately common during delivery and sometimes these complications can lead to serious birth injuries, including spinal cord damage. Occasionally, a mistake made by the doctor or medical provider will result in a spinal cord injury, leaving the child paralyzed for life.

The spinal cord is a vital part of the body that contains a bundle of nerves that runs through the vertebrae of the spine and carries messages to and from the brain. A spinal cord injury is typically catastrophic, leading to permanent paralysis.

Spinal cord damage is a rare complication of birth, but it does happen. When it occurs, it is life changing not only for the child, but also the family members. Not all cases of spinal cord injury are the result of medical negligence. However, there are occasions when the appropriate standard of care is not given and the baby suffers.

Some of the causes of spinal cord injury among newborns include excessive pulling, pushing or twisting during birth. When a doctor uses too much force or overstretches the baby, it can damage the spinal cord. This birth injury can result in bleeding and bruising around the spine and could tear or damage the nerves in the spinal cord. In very serious Kentucky birth injury cases, the vertebrae could be fractured or dislocated.

The outcome for a spinal cord injury that occurs during birth is usually grave. This injury can result in full or partial paralysis and is typically permanent. If your child suffered spinal cord damage and you believe that medical negligence may have been a factor, you should contact an experienced birth injury lawyer in Louisville at Gray and White Law for a free legal consultation at 502-637-6000 or 800-637-6033.