Will my child's birth injury go away?

Not all birth injuries are permanent. Many are temporary and heal on their own within weeks or months, such as minor bruising, soft tissue swelling, or small fractures. However, other injuries can lead to long-term or lifelong challenges. The outcome depends on the type and severity of the injury.

Common Prognosis by Condition

  • Cerebral palsy (CP): CP is permanent and does not go away. It affects muscle tone, posture, movement, and sometimes cognition. According to global data, CP affects about 2.1–2.5 per 1,000 births. While it cannot be cured, early therapy and interventions can significantly improve independence and quality of life.
  • Erb’s palsy (brachial plexus injury): About 70–80% of infants with Erb’s palsy recover fully with physical therapy and time. Roughly 20–30% experience lasting weakness, stiffness, or partial paralysis.
  • Klumpke’s palsy: Recovery varies. Some infants regain function, while others face permanent hand and wrist weakness. Severe cases are less likely to resolve without surgery.
  • Minor fractures and nerve injuries: Most clavicle fractures and mild nerve injuries heal completely within a few weeks with proper care.

While many birth injuries resolve naturally, some—especially cerebral palsy and severe brachial plexus injuries—may result in lifelong challenges. Consulting a pediatrician is the best way to understand your child’s individual prognosis.

Birth Injury Prognosis Comparison

The long-term outlook for a birth injury depends on the type and severity of the condition. While some injuries resolve naturally, others may cause lifelong challenges. Here’s a quick comparison:

Condition Recovery Rate Permanent Effects
Cerebral Palsy (CP) Does not go away; lifelong condition Yes — affects muscle tone, movement, posture, and sometimes cognition. Managed with therapy and support.
Erb’s Palsy (Brachial Plexus) ~70–80% recover fully with therapy 20–30% have lasting weakness, stiffness, or partial paralysis
Klumpke’s Palsy Variable — some improve, others need surgery May cause permanent hand/wrist weakness or paralysis
Minor Fractures (e.g., clavicle) Nearly 100% recover with proper care No lasting effects in most cases
Mild Nerve Injuries High recovery rate (weeks to months) Rarely permanent

Note: Prognosis varies depending on how quickly treatment begins and the severity of the injury. Early medical care and therapy greatly improve outcomes.

If you suspect your child’s birth injury may have been preventable, call the Dallas birth injury attorneys at Rasansky Law Firm at (214) 651-6100 for a free consultation.


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Note: The information that was utilized in this post was gathered from the use of secondary sources. This information used has not been confirmed or independently verified. If you locate any information that is not correct, please contact our firm as soon as possible so that we can make the appropriate corrections. If you find any information that is false, we will remove or correct the post immediately after it is brought to our attention.

Disclaimer: As a valued member of the Dallas community, Rasansky Law Firm’s goal is to improve the safety of all residents in the great state of Texas. These posts should not be viewed as a solicitation for business and the information included herein should not be taken as medical or legal advice. The photos used in this post are not representative of the actual crash scene.

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