Maryland Facial Nerve Injury or Paralysis Lawyer
Childbirth happens every day and while babies are born healthy, there are many risks involved with pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Even in a developed nation such as the United States, a mother and her newborn are still quite vulnerable. In an instant, things can change, and complications can occur.
When facial nerve palsy is caused by medical malpractice, you should take legal action. Learn about the common causes of facial paralysis in newborns and your legal rights. See how the Maryland facial nerve lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman can help you with your case.
While many babies suffer minor injuries during delivery, some suffer more severe birth injuries such as facial nerve injury. Facial nerve injury is a type of paralysis that requires medical intervention. It refers to the loss of voluntary muscle movement in an infant’s face caused by pressure on the facial nerve during labor and delivery.
Facial paralysis makes it so a baby is unable to move the facial muscles on one side of the face or even the entire face. This is due to nerve damage caused by birth injuries or trauma. It is usually temporary, but could still last for a long time. If no interventions are done, the result could be permanent.
Causes
An infant’s facial nerve can be damaged as they are being delivered. In some cases, the cause is unknown. However, most injuries are caused by medical malpractice. A difficult delivery is the main cause, and the use of forceps can increase the risk of a facial nerve injury.
Some of the other factors include:
- Large baby size
- Long labor
- Use of an epidural
- Use of medicine to induce labor
It is important that doctors take the proper steps to prevent facial nerve injuries. They can do so by carefully monitoring pregnancies and intervening as necessary. They should know how to properly use forceps and other birth assisting tools, as well as labor-enhancing drugs such as Pitocin.
Symptoms of Facial Nerve Injury
The symptoms associated with a facial nerve injury may vary based on the cause. Here are some symptoms to look for:
- Loss of facial control
- Drooping mouth
- Eyelids not fully closing
- Uncontrollable drooling
- Difficulty feeding
- Problems with speech and crying
- Sensitivity to sound
- Reduced tear production
Facial nerve palsy usually resolves itself on its own. However, there are cases in which the paralysis can become permanent. This can result in additional complications for the child, including:
- Speech problems
- Emotional problems
- Problems with chewing
- Physical deformities
Contact Us Today
Birth injuries can negatively affect facial nerves and cause paralysis and other medical issues. When this occurs, doctors need to be held liable for their negligence.
The personal injury lawyers at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman can help you with your birth injury case. Get the compensation you need to treat your baby’s injuries. We’re ready to take action. Call (410) 567-0800 today to schedule a free consultation.
