Injury to the fetus sustained during labor or delivery occur in approximately 7 live births per 1000 in the United States. Often, these injuries are related to the improper use of forceps, prolonged or difficult labor, prolonged fetal distress, or an abrupt delivery.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral Palsy is a group of disorders characterized by a loss of movement or loss of nerve functions. In the United States these disorders occur in approximately 4 live births per 1,000. Cerebral palsy is caused by hypoxia or lack of oxygen to the brain occurring during or near the time of birth.

Children born with this disorder may have no signs of the condition at birth. As the child's nervous system matures, however, signs of the condition may become pronounced. These signs may become noticeable by the age of three months and include the child's failure to react to sudden noises, lack of facial expression, or failure to follow objects with his/her eyes. Over time additional symptoms may follow which include: slow development in terms of rolling over, smiling, crawling, walking, and talking, decreased muscle tone or "floppy" limbs, vision or hearing problems, and poor coordination.

Erbs or Brachial Palsy

Erbs or Brachial Palsy occurs in approximately 3 live births per 1,000 in the United States. These conditions are caused by an injury to a network of inter-joining nerves in the head, neck, and shoulders. Erbs Palsy often occurs in larger children (due to their difficulty passing the mother's pubic bone) when excessive pressure is put on a child's head, neck, or shoulder during delivery.

Symptoms of Erbs or Brachial Palsy include: paralysis or limpness in a child's arm, limited or no movement in a hand and/or fingers, or loss of feeling in the hands and/or fingers.

Treatment exists for children with these conditions and includes immobilization of the arm and physical therapy that may improve or eliminate the condition. If the condition remains, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem.

If you believe your child may be suffering due to a physician's negligence that led to a birth injury and would like the attorneys and physicians at The Law Offices of Robert A. D'Iorio & Associates PLLC to evaluate your case, please call us today at 202.243.0581 or contact us online.