Connecticut Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Shoulder Dystocia / Erbs Palsy

Birth Injuries: Shoulder Dystocia and Erb's Palsy

At the Bartlett Law Offices, P.C., our legal team strives to help you understand your rights and options regarding a birth injury that your child sustained in the course of the birthing process. Two conditions that are commonly mistreated by doctors, leading to medical malpractice, are listed and described below.

Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia is a condition in which an infant's shoulders become stuck or pinned behind the mother's pubic bone. This causes a situation in which the baby must become dislodged or the risk of additional birth injuries increases. In many cases, being stuck or the attempted removal by a medical professional can cause Erb's palsy.

Erb's Palsy

Erb's palsy develops when a bundle of nerves (called the brachial plexus) that aids in the movement of the arm, shoulder, and hand is injured. The brachial plexus may stretch or tear, causing movement problems for the infant. Paralysis of the arm may also occur. Though many infants recover from this type of palsy within a year, some do not. This leaves them with minimal arm function and constant need for therapy for the remainder of their lives.

Most instances of Erb's palsy result from medical malpractice. The doctor should have identified any characteristics of the mother that may have made the infant prone to experiencing shoulder dystocia. Should shoulder dystocia occur, the doctor is legally obligated to work quickly to prevent further injury.

Contact an Erb's palsy lawyer at the Bartlett Law Offices, P.C. today to gather more information about these types of cases and your legal claim. We offer a free initial consultation so you can discuss your situation personally with an attorney at our firm. Let us help you take control of your situation and hold the negligent medical professionals responsible for their actions or lack thereof.

The legal team at the Bartlett Law Offices, P.C. confidently represents clients located across the state of Connecticut, including the communities of New Haven, Hartford, Bridgeport, Stamford, and all of the surrounding areas.