Philadelphia Facial Paralysis Lawyer
Infants who develop facial paralysis (also known as facial nerve palsy) will never be able to voluntarily and freely move their facial muscles in the same way most other individuals can. Facial paralysis arises when the baby suffers damage to its facial nerve (seventh cranial nerve) during labor and delivery. While this disability will usually resolve itself, special therapy is sometimes required in order to treat the affected muscles. Occasionally, the facial paralysis will remain a permanent condition.
If your child has developed facial paralysis as a result of medical negligence during delivery, then you may have a legal right to damages. The Philadelphia facial paralysis lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. have dedicated their practice to helping people in situations like yours. Please call our offices today at 215-238-1130 to speak with one of our experienced attorneys about your circumstances.
Causes of Facial Paralysis
Facial paralysis is caused by damage done to an infant’s facial nerve just prior to or during birth. While the exact cause of this harm is usually not apparent, evidence has shown that difficult deliveries may be a leading factor. The following conditions may be associated with difficult deliveries, which in turn may result in facial paralysis:
- Use of forceps during birth
- Unusually large baby
- Prolonged labor and delivery
- Use of an epidural
- Use of labor-inducing medications
If your child has developed facial paralysis due to medical negligence on behalf of a doctor or other medical professional, then the Philadelphia birth injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. can help you learn more about your legal rights in this situation.
Symptoms of Facial Paralysis
Infants who have developed facial paralysis will experience the following symptoms:
- Inability to fully close eye
- Uneven lower face appearance
- Uneven mouth
- Paralysis on affected side
While most cases of facial paralysis are temporary, some will become permanent conditions and affected individuals will require special therapy.
Contact Us
If medical negligence or doctor error during delivery resulted in your child’s development of facial paralysis, then you have a legal right to claim compensation. Please contact the Philadelphia facial paralysis lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. today at 215-238-1130 to schedule a consultation.