Mother awarded $3 million in birth injury lawsuit

Most Louisiana mothers dread even the possibility of complications during their pregnancy or during birth. Thankfully most of these fears are never realized. Thorough communication between doctor and patient can help to eliminate many problems before they start. However, there are occasions where future parents are not fully informed of the possible risks involved in a procedure, and the result is a birth injury that they are in no way prepared for.

One mother was recently awarded $3 million against an obstetrician whose actions in 2008 during the birth of her son resulted in the paralysis of her son’s right arm. During her pregnancy, the patient was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, which can cause health problems for both mother and child.  Because of this, doctors recommended that she allow them to induce labor. After being informed that her baby’s shoulder was trapped behind her pelvis, she agreed.

However, the doctor failed to inform her of all of the possible risks involved in the procedure. The OB-GYN reportedly pulled too hard on the baby’s head and neck during delivery in an effort to dislodge the baby’s shoulder from behind the mother’s pelvis. This resulted in the overstretching of three nerves and the tearing of two more. Over the last several years, the child has gone through multiple surgeries in an effort to improve the mobility of his arm.

Children that have suffered a birth injury often find their lives permanently altered. The parents and siblings of these children must also adjust their lives to allow for these changes. Parents in Louisiana who believe that their child sustained a preventable injury at birth due to negligence may find it beneficial to contact a professional. An attorney may be able to help clients determine what compensation may be due for the initial injury and for any treatments needed later.

Source: delawareonline.com, “Dover OB-GYN ordered to pay $3 million in birth injury case“, Margie Fishman, Sept. 28, 2017