Ohio Leader in Shoulder Dystocia Litigation
Erb's Palsy • Klumpke's Palsy • Horner's Syndrome • Nerve Damage at Birth
When the obstetrical caregiver isn't careful with a difficult birth, that child may end up with a disability known as brachial plexus injuries. Our law firm has built a reputation as formidable advocates for infants who suffered permanent physical impairment because of birthing errors.
Based in Cleveland, Becker & Mishkind Co., L.P.A. has prevailed in shoulder dystocia cases all across Ohio. Our trial lawyers are increasingly sought as co-counsel or advisors in birth trauma litigation in Illinois, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Free case evaluation: If your newborn was born with limited use of the hand, arm or shoulder, or if your baby is losing function in his or her limbs, call our experienced medical malpractice lawyers at 1-800-826-2433.
Erb's Palsy and Shoulder Dystocia Injuries
In the last stage of childbirth, when the head has emerged, some babies — particularly large babies — get stuck. The shoulders get caught on the pubic bone or wedged in the birth canal. This is referred to as shoulder dystocia.
A delicate cluster of nerves in the shoulder controls motor function and sensation in the limbs. This is referred to as the brachial plexus. A brachial plexus tear or trauma comes about from excess traction and will result in:
- Erb's palsy — Reduced function or total immobility of the hand, arm or shoulder
- Klumpke's palsy — Partial or total paralysis of the hand and forearm
- Horner's syndrome — Damage to facial nerves, often manifested by tiny pupils and droopy eyelids
Some children fully recover, or gain limited function through extensive physical therapy or surgeries. For many brachial plexus victims, the nerve damage is permanent, and they go through life without any use of that limb.
Shoulder Injury Litigation
A trained and experienced obstetrician or midwife should (a) know various techniques to free the shoulders and deliver the infant without harm or (b) recognize when a C-section must be performed before the head is even delivered. A less experienced practitioner — often a newer OB/GYN, a general practice physician or a midwife — may panic and resort to undue force or non-standard procedures when encountering shoulder dystocia.
Trial lawyers Pamela Pantages and Michael Becker handle more shoulder dystocia cases than any Ohio firm. Their deep understanding of anatomy and obstetric procedure enables them to demonstrate medical negligence, such as:
- Excessive force or improper delivery technique
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors
- Failure to determine (through ultrasound) that the fetus is too large for vaginal birth
- Failure to perform a C-section when there is an arrest or protracted dilation or descent of the unborn baby
- Lack of training in shoulder dystocia strategies (e.g., the McRoberts maneuver)
We have obtained substantial verdicts and settlements on behalf of families left to deal with Erb's palsy or similar birth injury. We seek damages for the extensive medical and therapeutic care, and for the personal and economic impact of the lifelong disability.
Contact Becker & Mishkind for a free initial consultation at 1-800-826-2433.
