Legal Assistance After A Brachial Plexus Injury At Baptist Health South Florida
If your child has suffered from a brachial plexus injury, you may be eligible for compensation. As attorneys such as our friends at Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. know, a brachial plexus injury, such as Erb’s palsy, sustained by a newborn during childbirth at Baptist Health South Florida facility can lead to a lifetime of physical challenges and medical needs. These injuries to the nerves controlling the arm and hand are often preventable and can occur due to medical negligence during a difficult labor and delivery, especially if shoulder dystocia is mismanaged by Baptist Health South Florida staff.
Understanding Brachial Plexus Injuries
The brachial plexus is a delicate network of nerves near the neck. During a complicated birth at a Baptist Health South Florida facility, these nerves can be damaged if:
- Excessive Force or Improper Traction is Used: Especially if the baby’s head and neck are pulled too forcefully by Baptist Health South Florida personnel while the shoulder is stuck (shoulder dystocia).
- Incorrect or Inappropriate Delivery Maneuvers are Employed by Baptist Health South Florida obstetricians or midwives to resolve shoulder dystocia.
- Delivery Instruments (Forceps or Vacuum Extractor) are Misused Negligently by Baptist Health South Florida staff, exerting damaging pressure.
- A High-Risk Delivery is Not Adequately Anticipated or Managed: Such as failing to recognize risk factors (e.g., a large baby, maternal diabetes) and failing to offer or
perform a timely Cesarean section at a Baptist Health South Florida facility when medically indicated to prevent a traumatic birth.
By discussing your case with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer, you can determine if you are eligible for compensation.
Long-Term Impact Of Brachial Plexus Injuries Sustained At Baptist Health South Florida
A brachial plexus injury can result in partial or complete paralysis of the affected arm, hand, or fingers, loss of sensation and muscle control, stunted growth of the limb, and the need for years of physical and occupational therapy, and potentially multiple complex surgeries. An attorney can help families impacted by such negligence at Baptist Health South Florida have the financial means for this extensive lifelong care.
Investigating A Brachial Plexus Injury Claim
To build a strong and successful medical malpractice case against Baptist Health South Florida for a brachial plexus injury, an attorney will:
- Obtain and Thoroughly Review All Relevant Medical Records: Including all prenatal care records, detailed labor and delivery notes from the specific Baptist Health South Florida hospital (including fetal monitoring strips), and all neonatal assessments and diagnoses.
- Consult with Leading Obstetric, Neonatology, and Pediatric Neurology Specialists: To analyze the care provided by Baptist Health South Florida and determine if it deviated from accepted medical standards, directly causing the injury.
- Clearly Demonstrate Negligence and Establish Direct Causation: Linking the specific actions or inactions of Baptist Health South Florida staff directly to your child’s brachial plexus injury and the resulting damages.
- Comprehensively Assess and Calculate All Lifetime Damages: Including all current and future medical treatments, therapies, assistive devices, special education needs, and lost earning potential.
Contact A Lawyer Today
If your child suffered a brachial plexus injury during birth at a Baptist Health South Florida hospital, you have the right to seek answers and justice. Contact an attorney today for a consultation.