The Moses Firm | July 2, 2026 | Birth Injury
Welcoming a new baby into your family is supposed to be an exciting and joyous occasion. However, a birth injury can quickly turn this joyous event into a nightmare.
Although birth injuries are relatively uncommon, they can have life-changing consequences for children and their families. Some birth injuries are unavoidable, while others may result from preventable medical errors. Keep reading below to learn everything parents should know about infant mortality and birth injuries in Georgia.
Overview of Georgia’s Infant Mortality Data
Georgia consistently receives very poor scores when it comes to infant mortality data. According to the most recent March of Dimes report card, Georgia sees 7.0 infant deaths per 1,000 births. This is well above the national average, ranking Georgia 43rd in the United States. On that same report card, Georgia also received an “F” for the number of preterm births that occur in the state.
How Common Are Birth Injuries in Georgia?
Birth injuries are fairly rare, but they happen often enough that parents need to be aware of the signs and symptoms. It only takes one injury to turn your family’s life upside down if it happens to your child.
Recent data suggests that birth injuries occur to roughly 29 infants in every 1,000 births. Unfortunately, the birth injury rate has been holding fairly steady for the last several years.
Common Types of Birth Injuries
There are a number of different birth injuries that could occur when a baby is born.
Some of the most common birth injuries include:
- Scalp injuries
- Broken collarbones
- Arm or leg fractures
- Skull fractures
- Nose injuries
- Erb’s palsy
- Internal organ damage
- Brain injuries
- Eye injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
Some types of birth injuries can be extremely serious, and some infants may be left with permanent damage.
What Causes Most Birth Injuries in Georgia?
Some birth injuries may be unavoidable due to natural causes, such as:
- The size and position of the baby
- The force of the birth canal’s muscle contractions
- Umbilical cord compression
All too often babies end up with birth injuries that were avoidable. Negligent doctors or medical staff are sometimes responsible for birth injuries.
Preventable birth injuries may result from:
- Forced attempts to move or reposition the baby
- Allowing prolonged labor
- Using forceps or vacuum tools
- Failing to properly monitor the baby’s vital signs
- Delaying a necessary C-section
In some situations, birth injuries may be the result of medical malpractice. When malpractice occurs, healthcare providers can be held legally responsible for the injuries they cause.
Can Families Who Experience Birth Injuries Recover Compensation?
Yes. If a birth injury was caused by medical negligence, parents may be able to pursue compensation through a medical malpractice claim. To recover damages, you generally must show that a healthcare provider failed to provide the accepted standard of care and that the failure caused your child’s injury.
If your claim is successful, you may be able to recover compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Future medical care
- Home modifications
- Special education expenses
- Medical equipment and assistive devices
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Reduced quality of life
Birth injury cases are often medically and legally complex. They frequently require expert testimony and a thorough review of medical records to determine whether the accepted standard of care was breached. An experienced birth injury attorney can evaluate your case, gather evidence, and help your family pursue the compensation your child may need for long-term care.
Contact the Atlanta Birth Injury Attorneys at The Moses Firm: Medical Malpractice Lawyers for Help Today
A birth injury can leave families facing emotional, physical, and financial challenges for years to come. While not every birth injury is preventable, healthcare providers have a duty to provide care that meets accepted medical standards. When that duty is breached and a child is harmed, families may have the right to pursue compensation through a medical malpractice claim.
At The Moses Firm: Medical Malpractice Lawyers, we understand how overwhelming these cases can be and are committed to helping families seek answers and accountability. Our experienced Atlanta birth injury lawyers can review your situation, explain your legal options, and guide you through every step of the claims process.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
We are proud to serve clients throughout Atlanta, Fulton County, and the surrounding communities in Georgia.
The Moses Firm
3490 Piedmont Rd NE #1206,
Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 721-1050
Available 24/7