Birth trauma refers to physical injuries a newborn sustains during labor and delivery, often due to excessive force or improper medical techniques. These injuries can include fractures, nerve damage, and soft tissue injuries. While some trauma is unavoidable, many cases are preventable with appropriate medical care and decision-making.

One of the most common birth trauma injuries is a clavicle (collarbone) fracture, often occurring when a baby’s shoulder becomes stuck during delivery and excessive force is used to pull the baby out. Skull fractures may also occur due to the misuse of tools such as forceps or vacuum extractors during a difficult or prolonged labor.

Common preventable causes can include:

• Improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction
• Excessive pulling or twisting during delivery
• Delayed decision to perform a C-section
• Failure to manage shoulder dystocia correctly
• Mishandling breech or large-baby deliveries

If your child suffered a broken bone or other trauma due to medical negligence during birth, you may have a legal claim. An experienced birth trauma lawyer can help determine whether your healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care and pursue the justice and compensation your family deserves.