Nash & Associates, LLC | Cromwell Center | 809 Gleneagles Court, Suite 201 | Baltimore, Md 21286

Spinal Injury

Maryland Birth Injury Law Firm

Birth injuries range from minor bruises and abrasions that heal relatively quickly to more serious head injuries, nerve injuries, and spine injuries that can result in life-long conditions like cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, or another serious disability. While most serious birth injuries affect the head or neck of the infant, it is possible for an abnormal birth or a mistake by a doctor to result in a serious spine injury.

If your child suffered a birth injury due to medical error or negligence, you can and should seek compensation for your damages. Discuss your case with a Maryland birth injury lawyer at Nash and Associates LLC today.

TYPES of spine and spinal cord injuries that occur during birth

Because the spine and spinal cord are vitally important for a body to function and grow healthily, birth injuries that affect either one can be devastating, and can result in a stillborn child or neonatal death. When spine injuries are not fatal, they often require extensive surgery, rehabilitative therapy, and medication in order to heal. The following injuries related to the spine and spinal cord can occur during birth:

Vertebrae fracture and dislocation – When a doctor misuses a mechanical aid for delivery, like forceps or a vacuum extractor, injury to the vertebrae of the infant may occur. This is most likely to happen if the doctor twists the forceps 90 degrees while it is grasping the newborn’s head, thereby twisting the spine and possibly fracturing vertebrae.
Nerve damage – Excessive twisting of the baby’s spine can also cause nerve damage, which may impair movement or feeling in the extremities.
Paralysis – Sufficient damage to the spinal cord may result in partial or total paralysis.

Preventing spine and spinal cord injuries during birth

The most important preventative with regard to spine and spinal cord birth injuries is to be aware of any potential risk factors that may complicate the birth, and to plan accordingly. The following risk factors may necessitate either a Caesarean section or another procedure in order to ensure the safe delivery of the baby:

High or low birth weight
The small stature of the mother
An extended or prolonged pregnancy

A prolonged or difficult labor
An abnormally-shaped pelvis in the mother
A large fetal head

Contact Maryland birth injury lawyers

If your son or daughter suffered a spine or spinal cord injury during birth, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, future medical bills and other expenses. In Maryland, birth injury lawyers at Nash and Associates LLC are known for their compassion and dedication to their clients, and are ready to help you. Contact a Maryland birth injury lawyer at Nash & Associates today for an initial consultation.