Philadelphia Facial Paralysis Lawyer
There is nothing more terrifying and tragic than an injury or serious medical complication during a childbirth. Here at The Villari Firm, PLLC, we understand that you are likely overwhelmed, confused, and looking for answers. While facial paralysis in newborns is not unheard of (roughly one out of 5,000 U.S. births involves facial paralysis), and it can resolve with time, there are cases in which the paralysis is permanent, affecting the child for the remainder of their lives. It is absolutely vital that you secure compensation for the damages you and your child have endured. To hold the at-fault doctor or hospital accountable, we urge you to discuss your case with our experienced and compassionate Philadelphia facial paralysis lawyer.
Causes of Facial Paralysis During Childbirth
There are many causes of facial paralysis in newborns. The top causes include viral infections, head injuries, medication errors, stroke, trauma during childbirth, and tumors. Facial paralysis injuries caused by stroke, medication errors, tumors, viral infections, head injuries, and trauma can be avoided in many cases, though not all. Prevention of a stroke or tumor complicating the delivery is possible if early, proper diagnosis is carried out. Facial trauma during delivery can also be avoided via C-section or other early measures, but this requires the doctor and hospital to uphold their duty of care by catching these potential complications before delivery. You can hold the hospital financially liable if there was a failure to perform a C-section or an improper/delayed diagnosis.
How Childbirth Trauma Causes Facial Paralysis
The most common type of medical negligence that causes facial paralysis is trauma during birth. The seventh cranial nerve can be damaged during a difficult delivery of a large child when his or her face is pressed against the vaginal wall. This may lead to temporary facial paralysis that eventually goes away on its own within a few days or weeks. However, when the baby’s face is damaged during an overly rough forceps or vacuum delivery, the injury to the seventh cranial nerve can be more severe.
Signs of Facial Paralysis in Newborns
- While crying, one side of the mouth does not pull down
- While smiling (starting at six to 12 weeks) or laughing, one side of the mouth does not pull up
- Eyelid on the affected side does not blink or fully close
- There is minimal movement, or no movement at all, on one side of the baby’s face
- The space between the eyes is uneven when the baby cries
Contact a Philadelphia Facial Paralysis Attorney Today
While most cases of facial paralysis resolve on their own, not all do, and may require medical intervention. Infant facial paralysis can be treated by muscle transfer or nerve grafting, both of which are expensive, invasive procedures. If a doctor’s wrongdoing caused the injury, you should not have to pay for these expenses on your own. You may be owed additional damages in the form of pain and suffering and more. Our Philadelphia facial paralysis attorneys at The Villari Firm can be reached today at 215-372-8889 for a free consultation.
