For parents, the birth of a child should be a joyous event. Unfortunately, happiness can quickly be replaced by fear and anger if your child is injured before, during, or following delivery. As San Diego malpractice attorneys, we know how devastating a birth injury can be, particularly if it could have been prevented.
A brachial plexus injury, also referred to as Erb’s palsy, is one of the most common injuries that can be caused by the negligence of an obstetrician, gynecologist, or other medical professional. Specifically, this type of injury can happen if traumatic stretching of the infant’s brachial plexus (an area running from the spine to the muscles in the arms and shoulders and can also impact the arms and hands) occurs when trying to get him/her out during a difficult delivery.
If too much force is exerted, stretching or tearing of the nerves can occur and serious injuries can result, including paralysis. Depending on the nature of the damage, the paralysis may require rehabilitative therapy or surgery.
In most cases, brachial plexus injuries are preventable. Common reasons why they occur include the following:
- Improperly estimating the baby’s weight and length
- Applying excessive traction to the baby’s neck during delivery
- Failure to properly monitor for fetal distress
- Failure to accurately gauge whether or not the baby’s shoulder can easily move through the birth canal
While many children ultimately recover from brachial plexus injuries, it is often a trying ordeal for the children and the parents. In some cases, the child may face a lifetime of disability. If your child has suffered a brachial plexus injury, a California birth injury lawsuit can help assist your child in receiving the necessary care to lead a happy and otherwise healthy life.
If your child or someone you care about has suffered a serious birth injury caused by the negligence of a health care provider, you may be entitled to compensation. For more information, please contact a San Diego medical malpractice attorney at the Law Offices of Robert Vaage for a free consultation.