Bringing a baby into the world should be a moment of joy and relief. But when something goes wrong in the delivery room, that happiness can quickly turn to fear and uncertainty. Among the most devastating complications are spinal cord injuries during birth. These serious injuries can cause lasting nerve damage, paralysis, or even life-threatening conditions.
While some birth-related spinal injuries may be unavoidable, many result from preventable medical errors. Understanding how spinal cord injuries happen and what your legal options are if negligence played a role can help you protect your child’s future.
The birth injury attorneys at Anapol Weiss have helped families throughout the country hold negligent healthcare providers accountable when preventable errors lead to lifelong harm.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries in Newborns
The spinal cord is one of the most delicate structures in the body. It connects the brain to the rest of the nervous system, controlling movement and sensation. During childbirth, excessive force or trauma can damage the spinal cord, vertebrae, or surrounding nerves.
When this happens, a newborn may experience:
- Weakness or lack of movement in the arms or legs
- Low muscle tone or limpness
- Difficulty breathing or feeding
- Loss of reflexes
- Paralysis in certain parts of the body
Because symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the spinal cord injury, prompt diagnosis and specialized care are essential.
How Do Spinal Cord Injuries Occur During Birth?
Spinal cord injuries during birth typically happen when medical providers use too much force or make critical mistakes during delivery. Some of the most common causes include:
1. Improper Use of Forceps or Vacuum Extractors
When complications arise during childbirth, doctors sometimes use tools such as forceps or vacuum extractors to assist. However, improper use of these delivery tools can lead to serious injuries. If these instruments are applied with too much pressure or at the wrong angle, they can cause spinal cord trauma, nerve stretching, or fractures in the neck or back.
2. Excessive Traction or Force
In difficult deliveries, especially when a baby’s shoulders or head become stuck (a condition called shoulder dystocia), doctors may pull too forcefully to speed up the birth. This excessive traction can overstretch or tear the baby’s spinal nerves, particularly in the upper spinal region (cervical spine), leading to partial or complete paralysis.
3. Breech Birth Complications
When a baby is born feet or buttocks first, known as a breech birth, the risk of spinal cord injury increases. Improper handling during breech delivery can put severe strain on the baby’s neck and spine. If healthcare providers fail to recognize the risks and proceed without appropriate intervention, such as performing a cesarean section (C-section), injury to the spinal cord may occur.
4. Failure to Perform a Timely C-Section
Delays in ordering a C-section can also contribute to spinal cord injuries. If labor is prolonged or fetal distress is detected, doctors are expected to act quickly. Waiting too long can lead to oxygen deprivation or the need for aggressive delivery techniques that increase the chance of spinal trauma.
5. Negligent Handling After Birth
Even after delivery, improper handling of a newborn, especially one showing signs of fetal distress, can aggravate or cause a spinal cord injury. Rough movement during resuscitation or improper positioning can worsen nerve damage or vertebral injury.
Types of Spinal Cord Injuries in Newborns
The severity and type of spinal cord injury depend on where along the spine the damage occurs. The most common types include:
- Cervical spinal cord injuries (neck area): These are the most severe and can lead to paralysis of both arms and legs (quadriplegia) or difficulty breathing.
- Thoracic spinal cord injuries (mid-back): These can affect the baby’s trunk, legs, and bowel or bladder control.
- Lumbar or sacral spinal cord injuries (lower back): These may cause weakness or paralysis in the legs and affect movement or sensation below the waist.
In some cases, the injury may also affect the brachial plexus, a network of nerves controlling the arms and shoulders. This can lead to partial paralysis or conditions like Erb’s palsy.
Similar Post: What Causes Erb’s Palsy and How Can Legal Action Help?
Diagnosing Spinal Cord Injuries After Birth
When it comes to baby spinal cord injuries, early detection is critical for improving outcomes. If doctors suspect a spinal cord injury, they should order tests such as:
- MRI scans or CT imaging to identify nerve or spinal damage
- Neurological exams to assess movement, reflexes, and sensation
- Observation of breathing patterns and muscle tone
Unfortunately, many spinal cord injury cases are misdiagnosed or dismissed as temporary weakness, delaying vital treatment. If a medical provider failed to recognize warning signs or order appropriate tests, this may be a sign of negligence.
Can Spinal Cord Injuries Be Prevented?
Most spinal cord injuries during birth are preventable with proper medical care. Doctors and nurses must follow established safety protocols, including:
- Identifying risk factors such as large birth weight, breech position, or prolonged labor
- Avoiding excessive pulling or twisting during delivery
- Using assistive tools correctly and only when medically necessary
- Ordering a timely C-section if the baby is in distress
- Providing gentle and appropriate post-delivery care
When healthcare professionals fail to follow these standards, their actions (or inaction) can cause irreversible harm.
Long-Term Effects of Spinal Cord Injuries in Newborns
The impact of a spinal cord injury can extend far beyond the delivery room. Depending on severity, children may face challenges such as:
- Limited mobility or paralysis
- Developmental delays
- Chronic pain or muscle stiffness
- Respiratory or feeding difficulties
- Bladder and bowel control
- Emotional and cognitive struggles
Many children who have suffered spinal cord damage require lifelong medical care, therapy, and adaptive support. For parents, this means not only emotional distress but also substantial financial strain.
Similar Post: Can Parents Sue for Emotional Distress in a Birth Injury Case?
How a Birth Injury Lawyer Can Help
If you believe your child’s spinal cord injuries resulted from medical negligence, an experienced birth injury lawyer can help you uncover the truth and pursue compensation. At Anapol Weiss, our attorneys work with medical experts to investigate:
- Whether proper delivery procedures were followed
- How much force or delay contributed to the injury
- Whether a C-section should have been performed sooner
- How the hospital handled post-delivery care
We also calculate the full cost of your child’s injury, including medical expenses, ongoing therapy, and future care needs.
Compensation You May be Entitled to in Spinal Cord Injury Cases
Successful medical malpractice claims may recover damages for:
- Medical and hospital expenses
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Assistive devices or in-home care
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Lost earning capacity or quality of life
- Long-term rehabilitation costs
Every case is unique, but pursuing a birth injury claim can help secure the resources you need to give your child the best possible future.
Call Anapol Weiss to Discuss Your Birth Injury Case
If your child suffered spinal cord injuries during birth, you deserve answers and justice. At Anapol Weiss, we understand the immense emotional and financial challenges families face after preventable birth injuries. Our compassionate attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case, consult with top medical experts, and fight to hold negligent providers accountable.
Call Anapol Weiss today at 866-944-0553 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. We represent families throughout Pennsylvania and nationwide, helping them secure the compensation and peace of mind they deserve. Your story matters. Let’s talk today.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.