A newborn clavicle injury is among the more common injuries that can occur during childbirth. This injury typically occurs during more difficult, strenuous childbirths. The newborn’s clavicle (collarbone) can fracture in the birth canal when a doctor uses forceps or a vacuum to assist in the baby’s extraction.
As the baby exits the birth canal, one or both shoulders can become stopped or “hung-up” at the mother’s pubic bone. As the physician applies force to extract the baby, the pulling force can break the clavicle. If a baby has sustained this kind of an injury, you may notice symptoms such as:
- refusal to move the painful, injured arm. Instead, the baby will hold it still against the side of the body.
- the baby experiencing pain if you lift him or her under the arms.
- a fracture that you may feel with your fingers, although this problem cannot usually be seen or felt.
- a hard lump developing where the bone is healing, a few weeks after the injury occurs. This lump may be the only sign that the newborn had a broken collarbone.
In many cases, the broken clavicle will heal itself and the child will still experience normal growth and development. Sometimes, a doctor may want to temporarily immobilize the injured arm to ensure the healing baby’s comfort.
In other cases, if the injury is overlooked, it may not get the treatment it requires to heal correctly. A severely injured clavicle that does not heal properly can lead to:
- numbness or tingling in the shoulder, arm, or hand
- pain or unexplained sensitivity
- an arm that the baby cannot or will not move or use
- difficulty in proper motor-skill development (hand-eye coordination)
- a limited range of movement throughout the child’s life
A newborn clavicle injury that occurs during childbirth is a serious matter. Most times, medical intervention is necessary to repair the damage. A newborn clavicle injury may be an avoidable injury. Medical negligence during childbirth may have caused nerve damage to a child’s arm and shoulder. This negligence can cause lasting, painful repercussions and should not go unanswered.
Childbirth Injury Attorneys
If you suspect that your child experienced complications during childbirth resulting in a clavicle injury, or if your child was diagnosed with a newborn clavicle fracture, contact our law firm today.
You may have a legitimate claim to compensation as a result of negligence or medical malpractice. Our attorneys have experience in helping families with children who have an injury during childbirth.
At Goldberg & Osborne, our childbirth injury attorneys work diligently on behalf of our clients. Please feel free to fill out our brief [online claim form] to start the process, and we will provide a FREE evaluation of your claim. . During this evaluation an attorney will examine the circumstances surrounding the birth of your child to determine if you have a legitimate claim.
Our experienced childbirth injury attorneys will help you:
- get through this tough time by gathering the necessary data and evidence needed to support your claim.
- recover the compensation you deserve for medical bills and your family’s pain and suffering.
- reclaim a sense of control and dignity by fighting for your family’s rights, while staying sensitive to your personal needs and confidentiality during this difficult time.
Contact us now – completely free of charge. You must act now to protect your rights! Call us today at (800) 318-6316 or submit your information through our simple, secure, online case form. We will respond to your inquiry and determine how we can help you.
