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Shoulder Dystocia & Nerve Injury Cases
Bringing a child into the world should be a time of happiness and hope for families. Sometimes, though, complications happen during delivery that can change a family’s life forever. Shoulder dystocia is one of those emergencies that can lead to serious nerve injuries for newborns. If your child or loved one has suffered a birth injury in Philadelphia, it’s important to know your rights and options for seeking justice. A trusted birth injury lawyer can help guide your family through these tough times.
Shoulder dystocia happens when a baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery. This can lead to nerve injuries, broken bones, and even lack of oxygen if not handled quickly and carefully. The most common nerve injury from shoulder dystocia is called brachial plexus injury, which can cause weakness, loss of movement, or even permanent paralysis in the baby’s arm.
Doctors and nurses must act fast and use proven methods to free the baby safely. When mistakes happen—like pulling too hard or not recognizing the problem in time—lifelong injuries can occur. That’s where a Philadelphia birth injury lawyer comes in. They help families get answers about what went wrong and fight for the care, support, and compensation children deserve.
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How Shoulder Dystocia Causes Nerve Injury
Shoulder dystocia is a rare but dangerous complication in childbirth. It develops suddenly, often with little warning. Once the head is delivered, the baby’s shoulder gets lodged behind the mother’s pubic bone. If this is not managed right away and with proper technique, doctors may use too much force or awkward angles, stretching or tearing the nerves in the baby’s neck and shoulder area. These nerves make up the brachial plexus, which controls arm and hand movement.
Some common causes of shoulder dystocia include larger-than-average babies, diabetes in the mother, or a long and difficult delivery. But sometimes, shoulder dystocia can happen even when there are no clear warning signs. When it does, the medical team must be ready with the right skills and knowledge to act fast.
Brachial plexus injuries come in different types. Some babies recover within weeks, while others face lifelong challenges. Erb’s palsy is a well-known type, often marked by weakness or loss of movement in the upper arm. In severe cases, nerves are torn away from the spinal cord, causing total paralysis in the arm. This can mean years of therapy, surgeries, and special care. If your child has been diagnosed with a birth injury like this, contact a Philly birth injury attorney to explore your legal options.
The Lasting Impact of Birth Nerve Injuries
Nerve injuries from shoulder dystocia aren’t just about the first days or weeks of a baby’s life. The impact can last a lifetime. For some children, physical therapy can help regain strength and movement. Others might need surgery or face permanent disabilities that affect everyday activities like dressing, feeding themselves, or playing with friends.
The emotional and financial strain on families can be overwhelming. Parents may have to miss work for doctor’s appointments. They might need special equipment for their child. Kids could need an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in school. All of these changes can add up fast. That’s why it’s so important to work with a Philadelphia birth injury lawyer who understands these cases and knows how to demand full compensation for everything your family needs—now and in the future.
Doctors should warn families about risks if the mother has diabetes, is carrying a large baby, or has had shoulder dystocia in a past delivery. But even if there were no risk factors, medical teams must be ready to act. If they don’t, and your child is harmed, a birth injury attorney can help hold them accountable.
What to Expect When You Call a Birth Injury Lawyer
If you think your child’s nerve injury was caused by mistakes before, during, or after delivery, getting legal help is the best first step. When you contact a Philadelphia birth injury lawyer, you’ll start with a free consult. The lawyer will listen to your story, review medical records, and explain your options.
You don’t need to know exactly what happened. It’s the lawyer’s job to gather the facts, work with medical professionals, and figure out if the injury could have been prevented. If there’s a case, your lawyer will file a claim and fight for compensation that covers medical bills, therapy, lost income, and the pain your child and family have suffered.
Your attorney will handle the paperwork and talk to the hospital, doctors, and insurance companies, so you can focus on helping your child heal. If your child’s injuries are severe, you may want to speak with a cerebral palsy lawyer as well, since these cases can be complex and require special insight.
Time Limits for Taking Legal Action in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law gives families a certain amount of time to file a lawsuit after a birth injury. This is called the statute of limitations. For most personal injury cases, you have two years from when you discover the injury. However, for minors, the clock doesn’t start ticking until the child turns 18, giving them until age 20 to file in most cases. There are special rules for cases involving public hospitals or government clinics.
There are also strict deadlines for notifying government-run hospitals, sometimes as short as six months. That’s why it’s so important to contact a Philadelphia personal injury lawyer as soon as you suspect something went wrong during your child’s birth. Missing a deadline could mean losing your chance to seek justice and support for your child.
FAQs About Shoulder Dystocia and Nerve Injury from Birth Injury in Philadelphia
What are the signs of a birth-related nerve injury in my baby?
Some signs include weakness in one arm, a limp or paralyzed arm, no movement in the shoulder, trouble gripping with the hand, or a difference in reflexes between arms. If you notice these signs, tell your doctor right away and ask for an evaluation.
How do I know if my child’s injury was caused by medical negligence?
You won’t always know right away. If you suspect a mistake in delivery, a Philly birth injury attorney can help review your medical records and consult medical experts. They’ll check if the standard of care was followed and if the injury could have been prevented.
What compensation can my family receive if a birth injury lawyer wins my case?
Compensation can cover medical bills, therapy, special equipment, lost future income, and pain and suffering. In serious cases, it may also include funds for lifelong care, education support, and home modifications to help your child live as fully as possible.
How much does it cost to hire a birth injury attorney in Philadelphia?
Most birth injury attorneys handle these cases on a contingency fee. That means you don’t pay anything upfront. The lawyer only gets paid if you win your case or reach a settlement. This lets families get the help they need without worrying about big legal bills.
Other Birth Injury Types & Medical Conditions Resources
- Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) in Newborns
- Spinal Cord Injuries During Labor and Delivery
- Perinatal Asphyxia & Oxygen Deprivation Injuries
- Caput Succedaneum & Cephalohematoma Explained
- Birth-Related Brain Damage and Cognitive Impairments
- Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries at Birth
- Facial Paralysis from Birth Trauma
- Shoulder Dystocia & Nerve Injury Cases
- Erb’s Palsy & Brachial Plexus Lawsuits
- Understanding Cerebral Palsy Birth Injury Claims in Philadelphia
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