Medical Malpractice and Birth Injuries in British Columbia
One common cause of birth injury is shoulder dystocia, a condition in which, following delivery of the baby’s head, the delivery of the body is delayed because the shoulders are too large to fit through the mother’s birth canal. When this occurs, the doctor must move quickly to delivery the baby’s body because the umbilical cord may be compressed and cutting off oxygen to the baby’s brain.
There are standard methods of treatment for when a baby is stuck in the birth canal. Improper methods — such as pulling on the baby’s head — can cause excessive traction and result in damage to the complex of nerves that run from the spinal cord to the arms (the brachial plexus). If your child was harmed by improper delivery procedures, speak with us at Pacific Medical Law and learn whether you may have a claim for obstetric malpractice.
Vancouver Shoulder Dystocia Lawyers
Shoulder dystocia that is suffered during childbirth can result in a permanent brachial plexus injury called Erb’s palsy, which is a condition that affects the nerves and muscles of the shoulder, arm, elbow and hand. Erb’s palsy can have lasting physical, as well as emotional and financial, consequences for the patient. A child with Erb’s palsy will likely require years of therapy and rehabilitation, as well as special accommodations at school and work.
Our firm has recovered substantial judgments and settlements for families who have had their children harmed by birth injuries, including shoulder dystocia. We work with medical experts to effectively resolve these cases for our clients.
Birth Injury Trial Lawyers
Contact our firm to learn more about shoulder dystocia, brachial plexus injuries and other birth injuries. Call Pacific Medical Law for an initial consultation at 604-685-2361.