Common Causes of Birth Injuries

Start With Compassion

When a child suffers a birth injury, the impact ripples through the entire family. In California, parents trust hospitals, OB-GYNs, and delivery teams to provide safe, competent care at one of life’s most vulnerable moments. Unfortunately, preventable mistakes can sometimes lead to serious, lifelong consequences for newborns and parents alike. If you’re facing uncertainty after a difficult delivery, understanding the common causes of birth injuries can help you take the right steps for your child’s future.

You’re not alone—many California families seek answers about medical malpractice and birth injuries each year. If you have questions about your legal options, our California medical malpractice attorneys at Attain Law are here to help.

What Is a Birth Injury?

A birth injury refers to physical harm sustained by a baby before, during, or just after delivery. While some injuries resolve quickly, others may result in permanent disabilities. California law recognizes the difference between unavoidable complications and injuries caused by medical negligence.

Examples of birth injuries:

• Brachial plexus injuries (nerve damage in the shoulder/arm)
• Cerebral palsy (brain injury from lack of oxygen)
• Skull fractures or brain bleeds
• Facial paralysis
• Broken bones

To learn more about different types of medical malpractice claims, visit our failure to treat and surgical errors pages.

Obstetric Errors

Obstetricians play a critical role in monitoring both mother and baby. Errors in judgment or technique can have lasting effects. Common obstetric mistakes include:

• Misreading fetal monitoring strips
• Failing to recognize fetal distress
• Delaying a necessary C-section
• Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors

Explore more about the legal process for these cases on our steps to pursue a birth injury malpractice claim article.

Labor and Delivery Room Risks

The delivery room is a high-pressure environment. In California, labor and delivery staff must adhere to strict protocols. Birth injuries can occur if:

• The team fails to respond to complications (like shoulder dystocia)
• Nurses miscommunicate patient information
• Inadequate fetal monitoring leads to missed warning signs
• There’s a delay in calling for a specialist

See our California wrongful death page for information on the most severe outcomes.

Oxygen Deprivation (Hypoxia)

Oxygen deprivation is one of the most dangerous risks during childbirth. When a baby’s brain doesn’t receive enough oxygen, even for a short period, it can result in:

• Cerebral palsy
• Developmental delays
• Seizure disorders

Common causes include umbilical cord problems, placental abruption, and prolonged labor. Read about how diagnostic errors lead to medical malpractice for more on missed warning signs.

Improper Use of Delivery Tools

Forceps and vacuum extractors are sometimes necessary, but improper use can cause:

• Skull fractures
• Brain bleeds
• Facial nerve damage

California hospitals must follow guidelines for these tools. Injuries may indicate the standard of care was not met.

Failure to Perform a Timely C-Section

A delayed Cesarean section (C-section) can result in serious harm, including:

• Oxygen deprivation
• Physical trauma to the baby
• Increased risk of infection for mother and child

Timely decisions are critical. For more on how to identify medical negligence, see our medication errors article.

Medication Errors During Labor

Medication mistakes can have severe effects. Problems may include:

• Incorrect anesthesia dosage
• Allergic reactions
• Failure to monitor for side effects

Visit our anesthesia errors and medication errors pages for more details.

Infections and Failure to Treat

Untreated maternal or newborn infections can lead to:

• Sepsis
• Meningitis
• Long-term developmental issues

Negligence may occur if medical staff fail to diagnose or treat these conditions promptly. Learn more about failure to treat cases in California.

Communication Breakdowns

Hospitals rely on effective communication between doctors, nurses, and specialists. Errors can occur when:

• Staff do not relay critical information about the mother or baby
• Charting mistakes lead to medication errors or missed allergies
• Multiple providers are involved without clear coordination

See our diagnostic errors page for more examples of how lapses in communication can harm patients.

Preexisting Maternal Conditions

Certain maternal health issues increase the risk of birth injuries, such as:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Infections

Failure to manage these conditions can lead to preventable complications. Our medical malpractice section explains patient rights under California law.

Birth Injuries and California Law

California’s medical malpractice laws set specific requirements for proving negligence, including:

• Establishing a doctor-patient relationship
• Showing the standard of care was breached
• Connecting the breach to the injury

The California statute of limitations for birth injury malpractice is generally three years from the date of injury, but exceptions exist for minors.

What Damages Are Recoverable?

Families may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Therapy and special education costs
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of future income

Our understanding compensation for birth injury cases article outlines damages in detail. You can also explore resources about compensation in medical malpractice cases.

What To Do If You Suspect a Birth Injury

If you believe medical negligence caused your child’s injury, consider:

• Requesting copies of medical records
• Consulting a pediatric specialist
• Documenting all symptoms and medical visits
• Contacting an experienced California birth injury attorney

For more guidance, see how to pursue a birth injury malpractice claim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Birth Injury Causes in California

What are the most common causes of birth injuries in California hospitals? Common causes include delayed C-sections, improper use of delivery tools, oxygen deprivation, medication errors, and mismanaged maternal health conditions. Communication errors and inadequate monitoring may also contribute.

How do I know if my child’s injury resulted from medical negligence? If your child experienced unexpected symptoms, disabilities, or needed intensive care after birth, and you suspect a mistake occurred, consult a California medical malpractice attorney to review your records and determine if the standard of care was breached.

What should I do if I suspect a birth injury was preventable? Request your medical records, document symptoms and treatments, and seek a second medical opinion. An experienced lawyer can help assess whether you have grounds for a legal claim in California.

Are there deadlines for filing a birth injury lawsuit in California? Generally, you have three years from the date of injury or one year from discovery, whichever comes first. For minors, exceptions may apply. It’s best to consult a California attorney promptly.

Can I recover damages for future care needs? California law allows families to seek compensation for ongoing medical care, therapy, education, and other costs related to birth injuries caused by negligence.

We’re Here to Support You

If your family is facing the challenges of a birth injury, Attain Law is ready to listen, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options. Call us at (888) 970-8627 or contact us today for a free consultation. Our attorneys are committed to helping California families pursue justice and a better future.