Birth trauma can be one of the most devastating, life-altering events that can happen to a family. Many parents, new and experienced alike, may not even be aware of birth injury risks until it is too late. My hope as an birth injury attorney and parent is to make others aware of these risks before they happen. If a doctor tells you your newborn child’s injury could not have been avoided, you should begin to ask questions.
One of the most common birth injury is Brachial Plexus; with a rate of 0.3 to 2 occurrences per every 1,000 births.
Brachial plexus is typically caused by shoulder dystocia, a birthing injury in which the infant’s shoulder bone catches on the mother’s pelvic bone. A doctor must work quickly to avoid any serious or permanent injury, but a delay in decision-making or diagnosis may result in several types of injuries:
- Limp arms
- Paralyzed arms
- Mild stretch injury
- Nerve rupture
- Avulsion
Some mild injuries will heal with time as your baby grows, but in more severe injuries, surgery may be the only option. It is imperative that the doctor diagnoses your child as soon as possible and that you ask questions even before giving birth!
A recent study has recognized new characteristics in Brachial Plexus.
New research has determined these additional characteristics in Brachial Plexus:
- Brachial Plexus injuries are just as common for new mothers as those who had given birth at least once
- Healthcare providers significantly underestimate the birth weight
Other factors associated with shoulder dystocia include prolonged labor, breech delivery and premature birth.
If you think your child’s brachial plexus injury was caused by medical malpractice, call me today at 1-800-55 MISNY to discuss your case. I will fight to give your child the proper treatment necessary to live a happy and full life.
As your Ohio birth injury lawyer, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay! ®
Author: Tim Misny | For more than 34 years, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving “Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus, Dayton and neighboring communities.” You can reach Tim by email at misnylaw.com/ask-tim-a-question/ or call at 1 (800) 556-4769.
