Obstetrical Negligence in Labor & Delivery
Delay in Diagnosis & Treatment of Sepsis
Prenatal Failure to Detect Muscular Dystrophy
Cerebral palsy birth injury
Erb’s Palsy is a medical condition in which the brachial plexus nerve is injured. The brachial plexus is a bundle of nerves between the neck and shoulder. Injury to the brachial plexus can cause varying degrees of paralysis of the shoulder, arm, and hand. With a few very rare exceptions, all permanent Erb’s Palsy birth injuries which are discovered at or shortly after birth should be considered medically preventable.
Shoulder Dystocia occurs when the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck beneath the mother’s pubic bone after the head comes out, making delivery difficult. Infant shoulder dystocia is in contrast to a normal delivery, in which the baby’s shoulder typically follows fairly quickly and easily after delivery of the head.
Shoulder Dystocia requires a rapid response because the baby can be deprived of oxygen while the delivery is delayed. Fortunately, there are several methods which when correctly applied will safely deliver a baby whose shoulders are stuck, and the standard of care requires that one or more of these methods be attempted. Some of the most commonly used shoulder dystocia maneuver methods are:
One action that is not acceptable is for the obstetrician to pull or exert force on the baby’s head to try to free up and deliver the shoulders. Pulling on the baby’s head is unsafe and a deviation from proper practice while the shoulders are stuck because it can cause permanent damage to the brachial plexus nerves.
By the end of a trial, regardless of the outcome, it feels good to know I’ve been in there fighting for someone who needed a strong advocate, typically someone who has suffered the death of a loved one, or a serious, permanent disability.
During pregnancy, a doctor should be watching for Shoulder Dystocia risk factors, which include:
In some cases, the presence of risk factors requires an obstetrician to discuss or recommend the performance of a Caesarean Section delivery in order to avoid the risk of Shoulder Dystocia occurring. However, Shoulder Dystocia can occur even in women who do not possess any of the above risk factors, and for that reason obstetricians are taught that they must always be prepared with a “drill” or game plan to address Shoulder Dystocia should it occur.
Any of the following symptoms can mean that your baby is suffering from Erb’s Palsy:
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Early detection of Erb’s Palsy will increase a baby’s chance of achieving a better recovery. Treatment always includes physical therapy and may require surgery to attempt to repair or replace damaged nerve fibers. Fortunately, many babies recover spontaneously during the first three months after injury, and some degree of improvement can be seen up to the age of two. Unfortunately, damage still present by a baby’s second birthday is generally considered to be permanent. The severity of the injury typically determines the likelihood and extent of any recovery seen.
If you suspect that your child may have suffered an Erb’s Palsy injury in Philadelphia or New Jersey, it is important to consult as soon as possible with a physician who is qualified to address and treat Erb’s Palsy injuries. Proper and timely treatment will maximize the chances that your child will survive with as little damage as possible under the circumstances. Unfortunately, even with the best of care, some children with Erb’s Palsy injuries are left with some degree of paralysis of the shoulder, arm, and hand. This creates challenges to everyday functioning, cosmetic issues involving the appearance of the affected shoulder and arm, and potential psychological or emotional issues.
It is in your child’s interest to be in a position to benefit from the very best and most advanced treatment available near you. There may be a significant difference in the treatment and services that private medical insurance or such programs as Medicaid will cover, and the most desirable state of the art treatment. If your child has suffered an Erb’s Palsy injury, obtaining compensation may be the only way to provide the care and services needed to maximize your child’s recovery and potential.
Collectively, New Jersey and Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyers Weiss & Paarz have presented dozens of Erb’s Palsy injury lawsuits to juries and have helped many children achieve substantial financial recoveries. They are committed to using their knowledge and experience to help any child with preventable Erb’s Palsy obtain fair compensation.
If you believe your child may have experienced such an injury, please contact our New Jersey or Pennsylvania Weiss & Paarz, P.C., firm locations today to consult with a birth injury lawyer.
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