Birth-related injuries are often the result of medical malpractice, and the most common injuries involve forceps and vacuum extractors. However, infants sustain injuries for reasons such as a lack of oxygen or failure to alter birth plans. Consulting with a birth injury lawyer near me in Avondale, AZ helps determine if you have a viable claim against your doctor.
Brachial Palsy
An infant develops brachial palsy when shoulder dystocia happens and the arm’s nerves swell. Suppose the obstetrician has trouble delivering the child’s shoulder. In that case, they must follow specific protocols to prevent the child from losing the ability to rotate or flex the affected arm.
For example, the baby’s weight could affect the mother’s ability to deliver the infant vaginally. One way to mitigate the risk of brachial palsy is to schedule a C-section to deliver larger infants. The doctor may also change the delivery plan after seeing the turtle sign, which is indicated by the infant’s head pulling back into the mother’s birth canal upon crowning.
Facial Paralysis
Forcep deliveries increase the risk of permanent facial paralysis. For most children, facial paralysis is temporary, and they regain control of their facial muscles after bruising and swelling subside. However, for some, the condition is permanent, and it is evident when the baby cries or tries to close their eye on the injured side of the face. If your child developed permanent facial paralysis due to a forceps delivery, seek the advice of a birth injury lawyer near me in Avondale, AZ.
Birth injuries have an impact on some children throughout their lives. As a result, they may develop lifelong disabilities that may prevent them from having a normal life. Upon discovering a permanent birth injury, consulting an attorney may help determine if the doctor was negligent and if you have a legal claim against them.
