What Causes Nerve Injuries During Birth
During delivery, a baby can sometimes get stuck when moving through the birth canal. This typically happens when one of the baby’s shoulders gets stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone. This is known as shoulder dystocia.
The Danger of Pulling on the Baby’s Head
Doctors are taught that the one thing they cannot do is pull down on the baby’s head. All of the nerves that control our bodies run from our brain down through our neck. If a doctor pulls down on the baby’s head, this causes the neck to bend and the nerves to be stretched. When nerves are stretched too far, they can be damaged. Tragically, some doctors pull so hard that nerves in the neck are actually torn apart.
What Is a Brachial Plexus Injury?
Damage to the nerves in the baby’s neck is called a brachial plexus injury. The brachial plexus is the bundle of nerves that control the baby’s arms, hands, and fingers. While some nerve injuries can heal with time, if the nerves are completely torn, they cannot be repaired. The result is that the child cannot fully use, or even lift, their arm and hand. This is commonly known as Erb’s Palsy.
Pursuing
a Case
If your child suffered a nerve injury to one of their arms during delivery, please give us a call to see if we can help. Because the statute of limitations for children does not start to run until they turn 18, it is very likely that a case can still be pursued on their behalf, even if it has been years since the injury occurred.
We offer free consultations, and we do not get paid unless you win.
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