Experienced New Jersey Attorneys Pursue Compensation for Birth Injuries
Representation for injured babies and their families
Many problems that develop during pregnancy and most of the injuries that occur during delivery are preventable. With diligent prenatal supervision, your doctor should catch potential risk factors — such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia — that can result in a difficult and dangerous labor. Your doctor should also advise you when a Caesarean section is your safer option. During delivery, your doctors, nurses and hospital owe you and your child a standard duty of care that prevents mistakes and responds appropriately to a long and strenuous labor.
Founded in 1950, Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy LLC represents the parents of injured newborns. Our New Jersey birth injury lawyers will launch a full investigation into the reasons your healthy baby suffered injuries and permanent disabilities.
Cerebral palsy caused by brain damage
Cerebral palsy describes a class of conditions that affect brain and nerve system functions — including development, movement, breathing, eating, speech, learning, thinking, hearing and sight. Depending on the type and extent of the brain injury, the disorder may manifest in muscle spasms, tremors, weakness, tightness, paralysis and organ dysfunction that makes performance of daily tasks difficult or impossible. Our attorneys investigate your case to determine if your baby’s birth-related brain damage was caused by:
- Cerebral hypoxia and anoxia — Problems that arise prenatally or during birth can reduce your baby’s oxygen supply.
- Vaginal birth after Caesarean (VBAC) — If the mother’s uterus ruptures during a vaginal birth after she previously had a Caesarean section, this can disrupt the functioning of the placenta that carries blood, oxygen and nutrients to your baby.
- Birth trauma — The obstetrician’s improper use of a vacuum extractor, forceps or manual force during delivery can cause hemorrhaging in and inflammation of your baby’s brain.
Brachial plexus injuries
The brachial plexus is the bundle of nerves that transmits signals from the spinal cord to the shoulders, arms, hands and fingers. Brachial plexus injuries can occur if your baby’s neck is stretched to one side during delivery and can result in:
- Total brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) — The movement of your baby’s entire arm is affected.
- Erb’s palsy — Upper arm movement is restricted, but your baby retains lower arm movement — and thus cannot move his or her shoulder, but can move fingers.
Long-term repercussions of a brachial plexus injury include scoliosis, muscle atrophy and reduced flexibility, strength, balance and coordination.
Learn about recovering from the hospital & doctors responsible for your baby’s birth injury
To recover for injuries your newborn suffered during delivery, call Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy LLC at 973.366.3900 or contact us online to schedule your one-hour free initial consultation. With offices in Elmwood Park, Dover, Mendham and Newton, New Jersey, we’re always accessible to you. We cover the up-front costs, and you pay nothing until we win your case.