San Diego Erb's Palsy Lawyer

Erb's Palsy from Shoulder Dystocia could result from Medical Negligence

Short-term or permanent paralysis of the arms can result from childbirth complications. This is known as Erb's Palsy or Shoulder Dystocia.  A difficult or trying labor is called "Dystocia" which comes from the Greek word for bad (dys-) and for birth (tokos).  Shoulder dystocia is a common form of this and occurs when the child's shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother's pubic bone and the doctor must now use stronger force and manipulations to extract the baby. There are generally two circumstances that can set the stage for this to occur. If the baby is of a larger size, roughly 8.5 pounds or more, this can lead to complications in delivery. The other is when the mother is either of a smaller frame or has an under-average sized pelvic opening.  These are conditions that should be recognized by the obstetrician before the delivery starts and measures taken to anticipate its possibility.  A San Diego medical malpractice and negligence lawyer will have to closely examine the facts and records to determine the likelihood of a failure to adequately provide against this occurring.

How Damage can Occur

The complications take place when the doctor has to now exert force and extraordinary maneuvers to bring the baby out of the birth canal.  In the area around the neck and shoulder a network of nerves originate at the spinal cord and extend out to control the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. These nerves are called the "Brachial Plexus".  This group can be severely damaged by forces such as the stretching and pressure applied to dislodge the baby.  The result is either short-term paralysis, a healing or therapy period of roughly six months, or in worse cases the damage can be permanent.  After birth this condition is readily observed by the limp and inactive limb.  In either case it is not possible to predict how rapidly or if the child will regain full use of the arm and medical treatment can be costly.  While the problematic pre-conditions may be difficult to diagnose prior to delivery when the labor becomes prolonged or difficult then the odds increase significantly that a Shoulder Dystocia could occur.  At this time a C-section delivery would be likely be indicated to prevent further trauma and injury.

The Law Offices of Dr. Bruce G. Fagel & Associates are one of the top malpractice and negligence firms in the State of California have been nationally recognized for their excellence in representing the rights of their clients. Our ability to get settlements for the damages through a malpractice or negligence lawsuit for our clients have been proven time and again.