Tag Archives: Erbs Palsy

Birth Trauma Lawyers Sue Hospital for Causing Erb’s Palsy, Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia occurs during childbirth when the infant’s shoulder becomes trapped behind the mother’s cervix. There are certain shoulder dystocia risk factors that doctors should know about. If the mother exhibits any of these traits – diabetes, obesity, fetal macrosomia (large baby syndrome) or prolonged labor – doctors might recommend a C-section birth to avoid injury. One doctor in California failed to prevent shoulder dystocia, even though the mother exhibited multiple risk factors. The mother developed diabetes during pregnancy, and the baby had a large birth weight. She was also in labor for several hours. She asked the doctor to perform a C-section, and the doctor refused. Shoulder dystocia occurred, and the baby developed Erb’s palsy. What is Erb’s Palsy? Erb’s palsy is a permanent condition caused by damage to the brachial plexus, a connection of nerves at the back of the neck that controls limb movement. People with Erb’s…
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New Documentary on PBS: How to Avoid Birth Injuries

The United Brachial Plexus Network (BPI) has released a documentary that warns of the potential birth risks that could lead to brachial plexus injuries. Newborn Birth Injuries: The Untold Story is now airing as a filler piece on PBS stations, with clips available on YouTube and the organization’s website. In the film, medical professionals explain how brachial plexus injuries occur and how to avoid them. The brachial plexus is a vital system of nerves located near the back of the neck and upper spine. The nerves deliver signals to upper arm and chest muscles. Damage in this region during childbirth can cause serious birth defects, including nerve damage, paralysis, lack of muscle control or sensation, or Erb’s palsy. According to the documentary, doctors and nurses cause brachial plexus injuries by pulling and twisting on the baby’s head as it exits the womb. The baby can appear “stuck,” so the doctor…
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Australian Woman Sues Obstetrician over Her Own Birth Injury

Halina Jane Gillett, an Australian women who will be celebrating her 26th birthday this coming October, is suing Dr. Jeffrey Robinson for her current affliction of Erb’s palsy. Dr. Robinson was the obstetrician who delivered Halina over 25 years ago. Halina’s mother, Marilyn Benson-Inglis, states that she asked Dr. Robinson about a caesarean delivery because she was concerned that her child might be too large to deliver naturally. When Halina’s mother went into labor, the two choices available to deliver the child were a caesarean or use of forceps; Dr. Robinson chose to pull the baby out with forceps. Halina now suffers Erb’s palsy, which is a paralysis of the arm caused by an injury to the upper group of the arm’s nerves. Most commonly, excessive pulling on the shoulders, especially with forceps, causes this injury. Halina requires the use of physical therapy and assistance in the home due to…
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