The days after a child is born are full of some of life’s most precious moments. When the infant is injured during the delivery, though, those moments can be filled instead with anxiety and frustration. Klumpke’s palsy is just one type of birth injury. When a baby’s hand or arm is injured during the delivery, nerves can become permanently damaged and affect the child for the rest of their life. Though rare, Kumpke’s palsy is very serious.
Causes of Klumpke’s Palsy
Klumpke’s palsy often stems from difficult vaginal deliveries in which the child is heavier than expected. If the mother is not proportioned to give birth vaginally, the baby can become stuck. Contractions put pressure on the infant’s neck, threatening the life and safety of the child. In such cases, doctors must perform emergency procedures to remove the child, but stretched nerves can result in Klumpke’s palsy.
Klumpke’s Palsy Symptoms
Weakness or paralysis in the hands and fingers are often a sign of Klumpke’s palsy. In infants so young, though, it can be difficult to know what they are or are not feeling. Doctors and parents should be on guard for the following red flags:
- Lack of movement in the fingers, hand and lower arm
- Lack of Moro reflex on one side of the body
- Trouble gripping with the affected hand
Medical Mistakes and Klumpke’s Palsy
Klumpke’s palsy is often the result of medical mistakes. When a doctor knew of potential complications and did nothing to prevent them, they may be liable for the injuries sustained. When labor complications arise, doctors must rise to the challenge and act quickly to ensure that both mother and baby survive. Improper use of birth tools like forceps and vacuum extractors can result in medical mistakes.
Experienced Virginia Birth Injury Lawyers
Contact our office today for a free, no-risk consultation with a knowledgeable and compassionate Virginia birth injury lawyer.
Richard Serpe: Awards & Recognition
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating (highest given)
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- Designated a Proctor by the Maritime Law Association of the United States (highest given)
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