Monmouth County, NJ Shoulder Dystocia and Erb’s Palsy Lawyer

Representing clients facing birth injuries in NJ

Complications associated with childbirth are unfortunate. They can occur in even the very best medical facilities around the world. Some complications are preventable, including shoulder dystocia and Erb’s Palsy. These disabilities occur during the birthing process and may be completely avoidable. If your child or someone you know has been injured during childbirth due to negligent care on the part of medical personnel or a medical facility in New Jersey, you should consult a medical malpractice attorney with experience in handling Erb’s Palsy and shoulder dystocia cases. You owe it to your family to speak with an attorney who can help get you the answers and damages you deserve. The attorneys at Tomes Law Firm, PC will investigate the case on your behalf, represent you if you decide to sue, and help you win compensation that will help offset medical bills and therapy costs. If you need our legal support, contact our firm for a consultation.

How shoulder dystocia causes Erb’s Palsy

Shoulder Dystocia occurs when one of the baby’s shoulders becomes trapped behind the mother’s pubic bone during childbirth, making it extremely difficult for the baby to come out of the birth canal. If the obstetrician recognizes the risk factors prior to the commencement of labor and properly manages the delivery when shoulder dystocia occurs, injury can be avoided.  When the doctor fails to take the appropriate precautions, lasting injuries to both the mother and the child are quite possible. Brachial plexus injury is a complication that can occur following shoulder dystocia delivery. Even the slightest traction on the baby’s head can cause injury to its brachial plexus, the bundle of nerves that controls the arm and the hand. Erb’s palsy is an injury to the upper part of the brachial plexus. Erb’s Palsy can vary from a stretching of the nerves causing long-term weakness to a rupture of the nerves causing complete arm paralysis.

Erb’s Palsy can be avoided

Erb’s Palsy can be avoided if obstetricians are alerted to the possibility of shoulder dystocia before or during childbirth and take appropriate actions to prevent the injury from occurring. By failing to perform necessary tests and identifying problems early on, a physician’s negligence can cause Erb’s Palsy. Additionally, an obstetrician who recognizes shoulder dystocia during childbirth but fails to use approved methods to dislodge the baby’s shoulder before continuing with the delivery can cause nerve damage and Erb’s Palsy. Treatment for Erb’s Palsy depends on the severity of the damage caused during childbirth. In most cases, treatment consists of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and possibly surgery.

Contact a birth injury law firm with Erb’s Palsy experience

The legal team at Tomes Law Firm, PC understand that avoidable birth injuries can devastate a family. If you are facing a similar legal matter and need a law firm to guide you through tough times, contact Tomes Law Firm, PC for a free consultation. Our compassionate attorneys will assess your case and guide you through your legal options. For quality legal services and advice, contact our firm for a consultation today.