What to Do if Your Baby Was Injured at Birth by an Iowa Doctor
The most important thing to an expecting mother is that her baby is healthy. The last thing you want to find out is that the Iowa doctor and hospital you trusted may be the reason your baby was injured during the labor and delivery process. One of the injuries your baby could receive during birth is a condition known as Erb's palsy. Erb's palsy is also known as brachial plexus injury, and it results from an injury to the nerves surrounding the shoulder.
All the arm's nerves are connected at the neck to another group of nerves called the brachial plexus. If the baby's neck is stretched or injured during delivery, this birth injury could result. Typically, this injury occurs if the baby is larger than most, during a breech delivery, if the doctor used the vacuum and forceps incorrectly, or in difficult and prolonged labor and deliveries. This injury is generally the fault of a negligent doctor in Iowa and throughout the nation.
How Do I Discover if My Baby was Injured at Birth?
If your baby was injured at birth, Erb's palsy will be noticed immediately. Some of the signs to look for include:
- Lack of motion in one of the arms
- Limp hand and lack of grip
- Lack of reflex
What Do I Do Now That I Suspect My Baby has Erb's Palsy?
If you suspect that your baby was injured at birth, you should let your doctor and the medical staff know about the signs you have discovered. Ask for the doctor to inspect your infant. This is very important to your baby's health, plus it is imperative that this is notated in your medical records.
After you let the hospital know, contact an experienced Iowa birth injury attorney to seek legal advice. It is extremely beneficial to at least talk with a knowledgeable lawyer to plan your next steps.
Some of these types of injuries are healed in less than a year with physical therapy; however, other catastrophic injuries may leave more permanent damage and surgery may be required. This injury is emotionally hard on the parents, plus it could leave you with mounting medical bills. You will need compensation for your medical bills, your baby's physical therapy, and surgery if required.
Call a Cedar Rapids catastrophic injury lawyer at Brady Preston Gronlund today and speak with someone who cares and knows how to proceed with these types of cases. Call us at (319) 866-9277 and speak with a knowledgeable birth injury lawyer regarding your options.
