Myrtle Beach Birth Injury Lawyers

The complexities of labor and delivery can lead to numerous types of birth injury claims, and many are directly related to the actions or inactions of the doctor and medical staff during the birthing process. Here are some examples of common birth injuries:

• Facial paralysis. Damage to the nerves of the face cause paralysis on a temporary or permanent basis. These types of injuries are commonly caused by undue pressure to the infant’s face during delivery. When signs of a difficult delivery are present, the attending physician may order a Cesarean section to reduce the risk of injury. When the procedure is not performed, or the decision is made too late in the delivery process, the physician is responsible for resulting facial injuries. Facial paralysis also results when doctors use delivery assistance tools, like forceps or a vacuum extraction machine, in an improper manner. Incorrect placement of these tools on the baby’s head damages the nerves of the face.
• Caput succedaneum. This injury may also stem from the doctor’s failure to perform a timely C-section. Pressure on the baby’s head causes swelling of the scalp. It generally occurs once the mother’s water breaks and the amniotic fluid is no longer supporting the baby’s head within the womb. Like so many other injuries, it may also result from the misuse of forceps or a vacuum extraction device. Though it is not considered life threatening, caput succedaneum may lead to more serious conditions.
• Brachial plexus injury. The bundle of nerves between the upper spine and the hands of the fetus are particularly vulnerable to injury due to the position of the baby within the womb. If the fetus is in breech or anterior position, the risk is even greater. When presented with this situation, the attending doctor may try to turn the baby into a more desirable position or attempt delivery with the baby in the current position. Unfortunately, this type of manual maneuvering can cause injury to the brachial plexus. Severity ranges from a mild stretching of the nerves, which presents as temporary difficulty using the affected limb, to tearing of the nerve, which may lead to permanent paralysis of the arm.

The cost of care for an injured infant varies substantially depending on the severity and duration of the injury. While some incidents heal relatively quickly with temporary medical care, other injuries require a lifetime of doctor’s visits, medication, and therapy. When determining the compensatory value of necessary care, a well-informed Myrtle Beach birth injury lawyer will consider the extent of injury and enlist help from medical professionals to adequately quantify the cost of care. When working with our firm, you can rest assured that this task is being undertaken with the utmost consideration for accuracy and the financial well being of your family.

Contact Myrtle Beach birth injury lawyers with a proven track record of securing substantial claims for birth injury victims

The experienced Myrtle Beach birth injury attorneys of McGowan, Hood, Felder & Phillips, LLC, can help residents of Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach & Georgetown with a variety of birth injury claims. We understand the emotional, physical, and financial burden of birth injuries, and we are prepared to help. We are ready and capable to handle even the most difficult birth injury claims. To schedule a free case evaluation at our Surfside Beach, South Carolina office, call today at 803-327-7800 or fill out our contact form.