Expectant parents in the Lake Oswego area have usually spent months preparing for the birth of their child. This is an exciting time for a couple, filled with baby showers, purchasing baby equipment, attending birth classes, and reading up on how to care for a newborn. Parents are so excited for their new arrival and most of the time the birth goes as expected and the new baby is healthy. But occasionally a birth injury occurs because of a doctor error.
A brachial plexus injury like Erb’s palsy is something that many parents have never heard of until it happens to their child. Erb’s palsy is a birth injury that may be caused by a doctor error. Many times it is caused by a difficult labor where a doctor has to pull and tug at the newborn in positions that are abnormal. It can be if a baby is face up or feet first, both of those positions can cause a doctor to pull and cause stress on the baby’s shoulder. It can also be caused by a larger than expected baby or using a vacuum or forceps.
Erb’s palsy is caused by an injury to the baby’s nerves connecting their neck to their arm. Erb’s palsy can result in permanent injury but even if it can be treated, it can take years and be expensive for parents. If a parent believes this condition was caused by a doctor error, they may want to speak with a legal professional who is skilled in medical malpractice. An attorney can review the medical records and consult with medical experts to help determine what happened to cause the injury. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, future medical expenses, pain and suffering and other damages.
New parents in Lake Oswego can’t imagine having an unexpected birth injury happen to their newborn. If the injury was the result of a negligent medical provider parents may have legal options.