One mistake during childbirth can cause permanent complications. According to a recent lawsuit, an Illinois doctor used too much force during delivery, resulting in the newborn’s Erb’s palsy.
A woman went to Mt. Sinai Hospital on July 3, 2010 to give birth to her daughter. During delivery, her daughter’s shoulder became stuck behind her mother’s pelvic bone. This situation is known as shoulder dystocia, and it creates a dangerous challenge for everyone involved. Since the baby is so fragile at this stage, any undue stress can cause serious injuries. According to the mother, the doctor used too much force when removing the child and damaged her brachial plexus. The brachial plexus is a bundle of nerves near the top of the spine that controls limb movement. The nerve damage resulted in Erb’s Palsy, a condition that can cause paralysis of the arm.
The mother sued the doctor for ignoring the hospital’s protocol for shoulder dystocia, resulting in permanent injury.
Proper Protocol for Shoulder Dystocia
At a recent meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, doctors discussed a study which found that hospitals who used a simple, standard protocol for shoulder dystocia resulted in fewer injuries. Hospitals that utilized the protocol saw a 40 percent decrease in Erb’s palsy, which is the most common condition resulting from shoulder dystocia.
While shoulder dystocia poses serious risks, skilled doctors can still deliver the child without causing injury. They can prevent the risk altogether if they recognize the shoulder dystocia warning signs ahead of time and recommend a C-section. Women who are overweight, diabetic or carrying overweight children are more at risk of shoulder dystocia and Erb’s palsy.
If your child is disabled because a doctor made a mistake, we can help. Call 1-800-460-0606 and explore your options at no charge.
Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP – birth injury lawyers
[Birth Injury Prevention: The Brachial Plexus Injury Prevention Program says that women who give birth lying down on their backs, receive an epidural, allow the doctor to use tools (vacuums, forceps) or induce labor increase the risk of shoulder dystocia.]
