When A Difficult Birth Results In A Disabling Injury
When a doctor or delivery room surgeon isn’t careful with a difficult birth, a newborn could be left with a disability known as a brachial plexus injury. If you suspect that your child’s brachial plexus, shoulder dystocia or Erb’s Palsy was caused by negligence on the part of a physician, it is important to contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney.
At the Law Office of Robert A. Miller, we serve birth injury clients in Eugene, greater Portland and surrounding areas. Our Oregon law firm has built a stellar reputation for results as aggressive advocates for infants who suffered permanent physical impairment because of birthing errors by attending physicians. We will conduct an in-depth investigation to ensure that your voice is heard, to give you the answers you seek and to ensure that your child receives the medical care they need.
Injuries With Lifelong Consequences Like Disability
In the last stage of childbirth, a large baby’s shoulders can become caught on the pubic bone of the mother, or wedged in the birth canal. This is referred to as shoulder dystocia. Nerves in the shoulder control motor function and limb sensation referred to as the brachial plexus. A brachial plexus tear is caused by excess traction and results in Erb’s palsy – reduced function or total immobility of the hand, arm or shoulder. For many brachial plexus victims, the nerve damage is permanent, and the child goes through life without the use of that limb.
These disabling injuries can be the result of:
- Excessive force or improper delivery technique
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors
- Failure to determine via ultrasound that a fetus is too large for a vaginal birth
- Failure to perform a timely C-section when there is an arrest or protracted dilation
The Law Office of Robert A. Miller has aggressively advocated for clients who must deal with Erb’s palsy or a similar birth injury. We seek damages for extensive medical and therapeutic care, and for any personal and economic impact of a lifelong disability.
Tell Us More About Your Case
If your newborn arrived with limited use of a hand, arm or shoulder, or is losing function in his or her limbs because of a birth injury or delivery error, call our law office at 541-359-4331 or contact us online with an email. Our law firm handles all medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis — you owe no attorney fee unless we win your case.