Bringing a child into the world should be one of life’s most joyous moments. But when medical professionals fail to meet the accepted standard of care during labor and delivery, what should have been a celebration becomes a page turned — in pain, worry, and unanswered questions. At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we understand how devastating a birth injury can be for both baby and family. In this post, we explore some common causes of birth injuries during labor and address the critical question: could your child’s injury have been prevented?
Understanding Birth Injuries and Medical Negligence
A birth injury is any preventable harm suffered by an infant during labor and delivery due to medical error, not birth defects or genetic conditions. Examples include Erb’s palsy, cerebral palsy from oxygen deprivation, fractures, facial paralysis, and more. These injuries often result from failures such as delayed emergency C‑section, improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors, or inadequate fetal monitoring.
To establish medical negligence in these cases, several critical elements must be proven: there must have been a doctor‑patient relationship, the provider must have failed to deliver the same level of care a reasonable professional would, the infant was injured as a result, and the injury caused harm.
Common Labor and Delivery Errors That Lead to Birth Injuries
1. Delayed or Failed C‑Section
When signs of fetal distress appear—such as abnormal heart rate tracing or lack of oxygen—prompt intervention is vital. Delays in performing a C‑section can result in irreversible brain damage. Similarly, misreading monitor strips or failing to escalate concerns can allow injury to occur.
2. Improper Use of Delivery Tools
Forceps or vacuum extractors can assist delivery—but only when used correctly. Excessive force, incorrect positioning, or improper timing can injure delicate structures such as an infant’s brachial plexus or skull.
3. Inadequate Monitoring of Fetus and Mother
Continuous fetal monitoring is standard practice during high-risk labor. Failing to recognize sudden changes in fetal heart rate, oxygenation, or maternal vitals—such as late decels or maternal hypertension—can lead to preventable injury.
4. Medication Errors During Labor
Sometimes medication errors—whether incorrect drug, wrong dosage, or failure to anticipate maternal responses—contribute to labor complications that result in injury.
When Could the Injury Have Been Prevented?
Preventable birth injuries often stem from lapses in judgment, failure to follow established protocols, or rushed decisions under pressure. In many instances, diligent monitoring, timely escalation, and proper technique could have averted tragedy. However, proving that a different, competent provider would have acted differently requires expert review of the medical records, monitoring strips, progress notes, delivery timing, and emergency responses.
To succeed in a medical malpractice claim, an experienced attorney will align medical testimony from expert obstetricians with case specifics, demonstrating exactly where the provider’s conduct deviated from the accepted standard of care.
Possible Consequences and Long‑Term Impact
When birth injuries occur, the financial and emotional toll can be immense. Many affected children require long‑term medical care: physical and occupational therapy, surgical interventions, assistive devices, and special education support. The CDC estimates that conditions like cerebral palsy can carry lifetime costs of around $1 million per child, while hearing or vision injuries may exceed $400,000–$500,000. Beyond financial costs are the emotional burdens—years of caregiving, uncertainty, and heartbreak.
What You Can Do Now
If you suspect medical negligence during labor, taking prompt action is vital:
- Preserve medical records, delivery notes, fetal monitoring strips, and hospital documentation.
- Seek independent medical review by an obstetric expert.
- Consult a reputable medical malpractice attorney who understands obstetric standards and can assess whether your case meets the criteria for negligence.
At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we have nearly 30 years of experience helping families injured by birth trauma. We know how to identify negligence, secure expert opinion, and build powerful cases that result in meaningful compensation.
Seattle Birth Injury Attorneys
If your child suffered a birth injury during labor, you don’t have to face the future alone. Contact Carpenter & Zuckerman today for a free, no‑cost consultation. We offer compassionate support, experienced advocacy, and work on a contingency‑fee basis—so you pay no legal fees unless we win. Let us help you pursue justice, hold careless providers accountable, and secure resources that support your child’s lifelong needs.