In the process of giving birth in a New York hospital in 2003, Mary Swanson experienced a setback when the infant become stuck in the birth canal. The condition, known as shoulder dystocia, occurs when an infant’s shoulder becomes lodged behind a pelvic bone. Shoulder dystocia can delay the birth process, increasing the risk for brain damage, cerebral palsy and other birth defects. The jury in the case found that hospital personnel did not respond to the incident in an efficacious manner, and thus was in part to blame for the complications. The $56 million award is being challenged on appeal by the facility named in the suit, Northern Westchester Hospital.
If your family has been impacted by the tragedy of birth injury, we can help. Contact the california birth injury attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.