• Lack of Oxygen
• Pharmaceuticals
• Large Babies
• Unusual Position
• Excessive Force
• C-Section
• Premature Birth
• Cephalopelvic Disproportion
• Dystocia
• Prolonged Labor

Sometimes during delivery of a large baby, the baby's shoulder has difficulty clearing the birth canal after the head has already been delivered. This can cause distension or excessive stretching of the neck which in turn can cause nerve damage. The nerves that are injured are a cluster called the brachial plexus. This cluster runs from the spinal cord to the shoulder and controls the movement of the hand, arm and shoulder.

If a doctor fails to recognize that the baby is too large for vaginal delivery, or makes too vigorous of an attempt at delivering the baby when the shoulder is stuck, serious permanent damage to the nerves controlling the arm can occur. This can result in loss of function, such as Erb's Palsy or shoulder dystocia.

A doctor may also fail to diagnose gestational diabetes during the mother's pregnancy which can result in the birth of very large babies with a greater risk of birth injury. In general, large babies, especially those bigger than 4,000 grams (8 lbs., 13 oz.), are more at risk for birth injuries. A physician's failure to identify the risks of a large baby and make the appropriate decisions in the delivery procedure can lead to birth injuries.

If you believe that your child may have suffered a birth injury and you would like to know your legal options, you should immediately speak with an experienced Florida birth injury lawyer. Click here for help.