Babies can sometimes suffer from birth injuries. This is especially true if they are large, in distress, or if the doctor is too forceful.
A common injury involves the brachial plexus. The brachial plexus is the network of nerves that sends signals from the spinal cord to the arms, hands, and shoulders. These nerves may be stretched, compressed, or even torn away from the spinal cord during labor and delivery. Brachial plexus injuries can also occur during contact sports and car accidents. Tumors may affect this area as well.
While brachial plexus injuries may go away on their own, some are more severe and cause paralysis. Surgery can sometimes help restore function.
Brachial plexus injuries are sometimes caused by negligent doctors. If this is the case for your child, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses needed to care for your injured child. Learn more by contacting a Baltimore brachial plexus lawyer from Furman | Honick Law today.
Causes of Brachial Plexus Palsy
Immediate causes of brachial plexus palsy include:
- Failure to prevent shoulder lodging. Brachial plexus palsy can develop when the shoulder becomes lodged against the mother’s pelvic bone. Doctors should be familiar with how to avoid shoulder lodging.
- Excessive pressure on the infant’s head. When shoulder lodging occurs, doctors may try to deliver the baby by applying excessive pressure to the child’s head and shoulders. This can cause nerve damage.
- Improper use of birthing tools. Doctors may improperly use forceps and vacuums to deal with birth complications such as breech positioning, problems pushing naturally, or extended labor. Hospital staff should be well-versed in how to use these tools properly, as they can cause nerve damage as well as damage to the infant’s skull. Forceps can cause brain and nerve damage.
- Breech births. By the eighth month of gestation, doctors can determine if the child is poised for a breech birth, in which the baby is positioned feet-first. In these instances, doctors should prepare a birthing plan that ensures safe delivery of the child. Doctors should be aware of extreme pressure on the baby’s neck, head, and shoulders.
When is it Medical Malpractice?
Some brachial plexus injuries are caused by negligence. Here are some examples of medical malpractice:
- Failure to know about the large size of the child
- Failure to recognize fetal distress
- Failure to recognize positioning in the womb
- Failure to act on any changes in the mother’s condition during labor and delivery
- Failure to recognize a compressed umbilical cord
- Failure to order a Cesarean section
- Poor care of the newborn after birth
Contact Furman | Honick Law Today
Brachial plexus injuries are often minor, but can be severe in nature, causing long-term complications.
These complications can be costly. Get the legal help you need from the experienced Baltimore brachial plexus lawyers at Furman | Honick Law. Get started with a free consultation. Fill out the online form or call (410) 844-6000.