Spinal cord injuries in newborns are rare but devastating. They often occur due to preventable medical errors during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. These injuries can lead to lifelong paralysis, loss of sensation, and significant medical needs for the child — along with emotional and financial challenges for the family.
If your child suffered a spinal cord injury at birth, you deserve answers. At Hoffer & Sheremet, PLC, our attorneys focus on complex birth injury cases, holding negligent medical providers accountable and securing compensation for our clients.
What is a Neonatal Spinal Cord Injury
A neonatal spinal cord injury is damage to the baby’s spinal cord that occurs before, during, or shortly after birth. It can range from mild nerve damage to complete spinal cord transection, depending on the location and severity of the injury.
Spinal cord injuries in newborns often occur in the cervical (neck) region, but injuries can also affect the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions. Because a newborn’s spine and supporting tissues are delicate, even a small amount of excessive force can cause permanent harm.
Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries at Birth
These injuries are usually preventable and frequently involve medical negligence. Some common causes include:
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Excessive traction or twisting during delivery
– Especially during breech deliveries or when the baby is stuck in the birth canal. -
Improper use of delivery instruments
– Misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors can apply dangerous pressure to the baby’s neck and spine. -
Failure to diagnose and respond to delivery complications
– Such as breech presentation, cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD), or shoulder dystocia. -
Delayed or inappropriate C-section
– Attempting a vaginal delivery when a C-section is medically necessary increases the risk of spinal cord injury. -
Inadequate prenatal care
– Missing signs of conditions that make vaginal delivery high-risk (like spina bifida or certain skeletal abnormalities).
Signs and Symptoms of Spinal Cord Injuries in Newborns
Identifying spinal cord injuries in newborns can be challenging. Symptoms may include:
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Weak or absent movement in arms or legs
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Floppy or limp muscle tone
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Loss of reflexes
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Difficulty breathing (if the injury is high in the cervical spine)
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Abnormal crying or pain response
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Lack of bowel or bladder control
If you notice these signs, your child should be evaluated by a neonatologist or pediatric neurologist immediately.
Long-Term Impact of Neonatal Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries can result in:
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Partial or complete paralysis
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Chronic pain
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Respiratory complications
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Loss of bowel or bladder function
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Developmental delays
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Need for lifelong therapy, assistive devices, and home modifications
The cost of caring for a child with a spinal cord injury is substantial — often exceeding millions of dollars over a lifetime.
When in a Lawsuit Warranted?
A lawsuit may be appropriate if your child’s injury was caused by medical negligence. This could include:
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Using excessive force during delivery
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Failing to recognize and address complications in time
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Inadequate prenatal or delivery planning
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Mishandling of instruments
To prove malpractice, you must show that the medical team’s actions (or inaction) fell below the accepted standard of care and caused your baby’s injury.
How Our Michigan Birth Injury Lawyers Help
At Hoffer & Sheremet, PLC, we:
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Review medical records to identify errors and determine if negligence occurred.
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Work with leading medical experts in neonatology, neurology, and obstetrics.
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Calculate long-term costs of your child’s care, including medical treatment, therapy, equipment, and future needs.
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Pursue full compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life.
We handle these cases with compassion and determination, ensuring your family’s story is heard.
Why Choose Hoffer & Sheremet
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Focused on medical malpractice – We don’t dabble; we specialize in complex birth injury cases.
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Proven results – We have recovered millions for injured children and their families.
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Personalized representation – You work directly with experienced attorneys, not a call center.
Take the Next Step
If your child suffered a spinal cord injury at birth, you may be entitled to compensation. The statute of limitations in Michigan for medical malpractice is limited, so it’s critical to act quickly.
Call us at [tel:(616) 278-0888] or fill out the form below to get started.