Glossary of Birth Injury Terms | Types of Birth Injuries

alloimmune hemolytic anemia: a condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be created, which means the baby will not receive enough oxygen

anemia: low concentration of red blood cells or below normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood

antibody: a type of protein that detects harmful proteins called antigens

antigen: any substance that causes your body to produce antibodies against it

apnea: a state of suspended breathing

athetoid cerebral palsy: a form of cerebral palsy, which is also known as dyskinetic cerebral palsy, and is marked by slow and involuntary muscle movement

avulsion: the most severe type of brachial plexus injury, in which the nerve is torn from the spine

bilirubin: a colored substance created when red blood cells break down

brachial plexus: the network of nerves that conduct signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand

brain stem: posterior portion of the brain, connected with the spinal cord, which regulates motor and sensory functions

cerebrospinal fluid (CSF): clear liquid inside and around the brain and spinal cord area

cesarean section: a surgical procedure when incisions are made in a woman’s abdomen through which to deliver a baby

cyanosis: condition when skin has a bluish tinge

defendant: the individual or entity your attorney believes to be responsible for your birth injury

dental dysplasia: abnormal development of two or more teeth within one or both jaws

dystocia: difficulty during child birth

erythroblastosis fetalis: severe hyperbilirubinemia/jaundice

euphoria: mental or emotional state associated with bliss or profound well-being

fetus: the developing state for mammals after the embryonic stage and before birth

heart murmur: inconsistent or turbulent flow of blood that is loud enough to cause a sound

hypertonia: when muscles have an increased level of resting activity and an increased resistance to stretch

hypotonia: low muscle tone, which often leads to reduced muscle strength

induced labor: artificial method of stimulating childbirth in a woman

jaundice: discoloration of the skin due to a high concentration of bilirubin in the blood

kernicterus: when infants sustain damage to the brain centers due to high concentration of bilirubin

lethargy: extreme physical and/or mental fatigue

neuroma: a brachial plexus injury in which the nerve has torn and healed but scar tissue puts pressure on the injured nerve and prevents it from conducting signals to the muscles

neuropraxia: brachial plexus injury, also known as a “stretch,” in which the nerve has been damaged but not torn

oxygen deficiency: during childbirth when the infant suffers an injury that prevents oxygen flow to the brain

palsy: paralysis of a body part, which is often associated with lack of sensation and ability to control movement

paralysis: inability to use muscles, which can be associated with loss of feeling in muscles

placenta: an organ that connects a developing fetus to the uterine wall, which allows for nutrient uptake, waste elimination, and gas exchange via the mother’s blood supply

plaintiff: the individual filing a claim for damages

rupture: a brachial plexus injury in which the nerve is torn but not at the spinal attachment

serosa: a smooth membrane consisting of cells that excrete serous fluid and line and enclose body cavities

trauma: a serious or body altering injury

uterus: also known as the “womb,” this is the major reproductive sex organ in which the fetus develops during pregnancy

Attorney Terry Bryant

Attorney Terry Bryant Terry Bryant is Board Certified in personal injury trial law, which means his extensive knowledge of the law has been recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, setting him apart from many other injury attorneys. The 22 years he spent as a Municipal Judge, Spring Valley Village, TX also provides him keen insight into the Texas court system. That experience also helps shape his perspective on personal injury cases and how they might resolve. This unique insight benefits his clients. [ Attorney Bio ]

INJURY

Results

^$10.6 million
Net to Client

Married couple sustained multiple fractures and wife sustained a traumatic brain injury as a result of a head-on car wreck.

^$5.4 million
Net to Client

Plaintiff sustained a traumatic brain injury in a car wreck.

^$2.3 million
Net to Client

Truck driver suffered a crushed pelvis when large pipe being unloaded from his trailer rolled over him.

^$2.2 million
Net to Client

Contractual dispute between two law firms regarding attorneys’ fees.

^$2.06 million
Net to Client

Plaintiff injured and had surgery to his arm, shoulder and neck as a result of a refinery explosion.

^$1.9 million
Net to Client

Plaintiff was hit by a truck while riding his bicycle. He sustained multiple fractures and a herniated disc in his low back.

SEE ALL

Your Houston-Based Glossary Of Birth Injury Terms Lawyers

Immediate Case Review