The first days of a baby’s life are filled with tender moments and joyful experiences. When an infant is injured during the delivery, though, that joy is jeopardized. Though birth injuries can occur even under the most ideal circumstances, when they stem from a doctor’s negligence, the parents have a right to pursue legal action. Facial palsy is just one form of birth injury that can have long-reaching ramifications for the entire family.
Why does facial palsy occur?
When birth trauma occurs, the seventh cranial nerve (also known as the facial nerve) can become damaged before or during the birthing process. Long labor, use of epidural anesthesia, large baby size or the use of medicine to induce labor and start contractions can cause birth trauma. While most of the time, these factors don’t lead to facial nerve palsy, they can contribute to the injury.
In extreme cases, birthing instruments like forceps can contribute to facial palsy. When excessive force is placed on an infant’s body during labor, birth injuries can occur. Facial palsy is also known to occur when a baby has difficulty passing the mother’s pelvic bone.
What symptoms stem from facial palsy?
Facial nerve injuries are obvious when a baby cries. The infant’s face may appear uneven, particularly the lower half of the face. In some cases, the mouth may not move symmetrically when the child cries, and their eyelids may fail to blink or close fully. In extreme cases, the baby may not show much movement at all on the affected side of the face.
Can I file a medical malpractice claim?
Parents whose babies suffer birth injuries that lead to facial palsy may be eligible for compensation. A knowledgeable birth injury attorney, along with trusted medical experts, can help families determine if their child’s injury was preventable. Birth injuries can sometimes be difficult to tie back to medical malpractice, but an experienced attorney can help prove such negligence occurred.
Was my child’s facial palsy caused by a negligent physician?
It’s not always easy to know if a birth injury was caused by a negligent doctor. To prove your physician violated accepted standards and practices used y the medical community, we pair families with medical experts who can determine if anything is amiss. They can help determine if your doctor did indeed stray from the recommended procedures and if their actions led to facial palsy.
What forms of compensation can I seek for my child’s facial palsy?
Facial palsy typically resolves on its own over time. In some cases, though, the paralysis is permanent. In such cases, families may be entitled to compensation. Medical costs, physical therapy, and noneconomic damages, like pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment, can be included in a settlement. People with lifelong facial palsy often experience significant emotional turmoil and may be compensated for their mental anguish.
Experienced Virginia Birth Injury Lawyers
Contact our office today for a free, no-risk consultation with a knowledgeable and compassionate Virginia birth injury lawyer.
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