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Lawsuit: Child has limited movement in arm due to birth injury

On Behalf of | Aug 18, 2014 | Birth Injury |

As many people know, there are a number of things that could go wrong during childbirth. While some birth injuries may not be prevented, there are others that occur at the hands of the attending physicians. Parents in San Diego whose children suffer due to medical malpractice have a right to hold the responsible parties accountable, as illustrated by a recent lawsuit.

On March 1, 2011, a child was born in Illinois. Doctors assessed her immediately and gave her Apgar scores of 7 and 9, noting that her left arm was floppy. The arm had become stuck during delivery, creating a situation known as shoulder dystocia. The attending obstetrician reportedly tried several maneuvers in order to deliver the baby, eventually turning her.

The child’s parents have brought a lawsuit against the obstetrician. They claim that in addition to accusing the physician of applying excessive force during birth, the parents also state that the baby, born at 9 pounds 2 ounces, should have been delivered via a Cesarean section. The child, now 3, still has trouble with the shoulder. During the trial, the girl was brought in to demonstrate the limited movement of her left arm, as she is unable to bend or raise it. The condition, known as brachial plexus, can occur through hands-on birthing, according to a neurologist.

The neurologist testified that the little girl may undergo surgery, but it will not cure her condition. Any procedures would merely preserve the advances she has made through physical therapy. People who experience medical negligence during birth should contact an attorney to explore the option of filing a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Source: The Madison-St. Clair Record, “Child’s birth injury subject of medical malpractice case at trial,” Ann Maher, Aug. 12, 2014

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