Birth Trauma Fractures: Understanding Causes, Treatment, and Legal Options
When a newborn suffers a fracture during childbirth, it can be alarming and traumatic for the entire family. While some fractures heal quickly with proper care, others may lead to long-term complications and require ongoing medical treatment. At Hoffer & Sheremet, PLC, we help families understand what happened, why it happened, and whether medical negligence played a role.
What Are Birth Trauma Fractures?
Birth trauma fractures are broken bones that occur during labor or delivery. They are among the most common types of birth injuries. In many cases, fractures result from the use of excessive force, difficult or prolonged labor, or improper use of delivery tools like forceps or vacuum extractors.
Common Types of Fractures in Newborns:
-
Clavicle (collarbone) fractures – The most common type of fracture in newborns, often caused by shoulder dystocia or difficult vaginal delivery.
-
Skull fractures – May result from forceps use, vacuum extraction, or prolonged labor; these fractures can range from minor to severe and sometimes cause underlying brain injury.
-
Long bone fractures – Including fractures of the humerus (upper arm) or femur (thigh bone), typically caused by excessive traction during delivery.
-
Rib fractures – Less common but may occur if significant pressure is applied during delivery.
How Do These Fractures Happen?
While some fractures are unavoidable, many are preventable with appropriate medical care. Causes of birth-related fractures include:
-
Improper handling of shoulder dystocia
-
Excessive traction (pulling) on the baby’s head, arms, or shoulders
-
Misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors
-
Failure to identify and respond to fetal positioning issues
-
Negligent management of breech deliveries
If your child sustained a fracture at birth, it’s important to determine whether medical negligence contributed to the injury.
Signs and Symptoms of Birth Fractures
Some fractures are obvious at birth, while others may take days to notice. Common symptoms include:
-
Limited or painful movement of an arm or leg
-
Swelling or bruising around the affected area
-
A noticeable lump or abnormal contour of a bone
-
Crying when the injured area is touched or moved
-
Lack of movement in an arm (common in clavicle fractures)
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Birth fractures are often diagnosed using:
-
Physical examination
-
X-rays or ultrasound to confirm the fracture
-
CT or MRI scans if a skull fracture is suspected
Treatment
Many neonatal fractures heal quickly with immobilization (slings, soft splints) and gentle handling. However, more serious fractures—especially those involving the skull or long bones—may require specialized treatment, including surgery or long-term follow-up care.
Are Birth Fractures Always a Result of Malpractice?
Not necessarily. Some fractures can occur even when proper medical care is provided. However, fractures caused by excessive force, misuse of delivery tools, or delayed recognition of obstetric complications may indicate negligence.
Our team can review your medical records to determine whether your child’s injury resulted from avoidable errors.
Legal Options for Families
If your baby suffered a preventable fracture at birth, you may be entitled to compensation for:
-
Medical expenses (including future care)
-
Parental lost wages related to caring for the injured child
-
Costs of ongoing therapy or treatment
At Hoffer & Sheremet, PLC, we focus on uncovering the truth about what happened during delivery and holding negligent providers accountable.
Why Choose Hoffer & Sheremet, PLC?
We are experienced birth injury lawyers who have handled complex cases involving obstetric errors, forceps and vacuum injuries, and other delivery-related trauma. Our team includes medical-legal professionals who can quickly identify when a fracture could—and should—have been prevented.
Related Pages
Contact Us
If your newborn suffered a fracture during delivery, you deserve answers.
Call us at (616) 278-0888 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
Contact Hoffer & Sheremet’s Office Today
If you have suffered a serious physical or financial injury, and you want the high quality, personalized, state of the art, legal representation that our team offers, then contact us today for a review of your case. We can be reached at 616.278.0888, info@hoffersheremet.com, or by completing our Free Consultation Form.