Infant Injuries Following Shoulder Dystocia
When a medical care provider is negligent in the delivery of a newborn baby, accidents or incidents such as that of shoulder dystocia can occur. Dystocia or other serious complications in the delivery of the newborn may occur. Injury to the mother may also occur such as severe internal injuries and bleeding or other conditions. For the infant, the baby can suffer from Erb’s palsy, brain damage, or even death.
The Consequences of a Shoulder Dystocia Injury
According to a journal published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information, about 3 out of 1000 infants will suffer from shoulder dystocia. Although the medical condition does not typically lead to the death of the infant, it can still have life-changing repercussions.
An infant that undergoes trauma from shoulder dystocia can suffer from Erb’s palsy, one of the most dangerous conditions associated with the trauma. Erb’s palsy can occur during the birthing process, when the infant’s neck is stretched in an unnatural manner as the shoulders and head pass through the birth canal. Other early life trauma can also lead to serious medical conditions.
Erb’s palsy can typically happen when there is a torn brachial plexus nerve. The brachial plexus nerve helps with bodily movement in the arms, hands, and fingers. Damage to the nerve can leave an infant with the inability to move his or her arm. In certain cases, undergoing a surgical procedure can help the infant regain mobility by restoring the nerve but nonetheless, permanent damage can occur, which can cause a lifetime of pain and suffering for the newborn.
After a Shoulder Dystocia Injury, Consult the Legal Support of a Qualified Medical Malpractice Attorney
When a newborn suffers, the injury will affect the entire family. Babies who suffer from shoulder dystocia or some other injury can suffer a lifetime of medical expenses, pain, and emotional distress. When injuries occur as a result of medical negligence, the injured newborn and his or her family have a right to pursue legal action against the careless medical staff that caused the injury. Under current California law, medical malpractice victims may have a total of 1 year from the time they became aware of the injury or 3 years from the date of the grievance to file a lawsuit. Failure to adhere to these deadlines can cause a victim’s case to be dismissed. Even shorter time limits may apply. It is important to consult with a lawyer immediately!
If you’re a mother that was injured as a result of medical negligence, or have an infant that was injured, consider seeking the legal advice of a qualified medical malpractice lawyer. As a victim, you may be able to recover suvstantial compensation.
The medical malpractice attorneys at Heiting & Irwin have committed their careers to helping those who have been injured as a result of careless medical staff. The attorneys at Heiting & Irwin have many years or experience in handling medical malpractice cases involving birth-related injury. When it comes to medical malpractice, time is of the essence; seek medical legal support as soon as possible. The firm is prepared to thoroughly investigate a case and determine whether medical negligence was a substantial factor in causing the injuries.
