Facial Paralysis
Smiles offer one of the first glimpses into a child’s demeanor. They can communicate a baby’s level of happiness, offering much needed validation and encouragement to the typically overanxious parents unsure of whether they are meeting their child’s needs. But when a birth injury leaves a child with facial palsy or paralysis, he or she may be unable to have that precious early bonding experience.
This is the result of damage to the facial nerve, more technically called the seventh cranial nerve. Such damage often occurs during the course of a difficult labor and delivery, particularly when the medical professionals responsible for ensuring the safety of the newborn commit medical errors. Contact the Houston birth injury attorneys of Williams Kherkher at 832-369-8296 to speak with an experienced attorney about your case.
Common Causes and Effects of Facial Nerve Damage
It can be difficult to identify the precise action that caused facial paralysis, but it is a complication that is quite frequently associated with:
- Lengthy and Strenuous Labor
- Pharmaceuticals Used to Induce Labor
- Improperly Applied Epidurals
- The Use of Vacuum, Forceps, and Similar Devices
To establish a basis upon which to file a lawsuit, there must be some substantial reason to believe that it was the mishandling of these implements or the misjudgment of the doctors and nurses which caused the birth injury to occur. Indications that you may wish to explore the matter further include:
- Compromised Muscle Control of the Mouth
- Inability to Shut the Eyelid with Ease
- Immobility of One Half of the Face
Contact Us
The therapy and potential surgery that may be necessitated by your child’s birth injury comes with a significant price tag, and the financial compensation you might gain through a successful lawsuit can be a tremendous help. Contact the Houston facial paralysis lawyers of Williams Kherkher at 832-369-8296 to learn more about your legal options.