Clavicle Fracture Birth Injuries

Did your newborn suffer a broken clavicle due to malpractice?

A clavicle (collarbone) fracture is one of the most-common types of birth injuries. If a doctor or nurse's negligence led to such an injury, your family may be owed compensation.

While a broken collarbone is not always the direct result of negligence or medical malpractice, our Dallas birth injury attorneys are happy to review the facts of your case for no charge. If we feel as though you have a valid claim, we'll explain your options moving forward.

A clavicle fracture during delivery usually occurs when there is a difficult delivery, and typically when one or more of the following risk factors are present:

• High birth weight, or babies that are "large for gestational age" (LGA).
• The newborn’s shoulder becoming stuck during delivery (shoulder distocia).
• A narrow birth canal
• Tools such as obstetric forceps are used to assist with the delivery.

Complications for newborn babies with collarbone injuries.

The most significant and noticeable complication of a newborn clavicle fracture is the child’s inability to move the arm because of a brachial plexus injury. The brachial plexus is located quite close to the clavicle, and as such, it is extremely easy for it to be damaged by the collar bone when the fracture occurs.

One out of every 11 newborns who suffer a clavicle fracture during birth will also have damage to the brachial plexus nerves. When the brachial plexus is damaged, it could cause decreased movement or weakness in one arm. The effects may be temporary, but recovery is often dependent on the treatment recieved.

Diagnosis and treatment.

A clavicle fracture is confirmed through the use of an x-ray or ultrasound. Fortunately, most newborn clavicle fractures heal quickly with no serious complications. Very seldom is extensive treatment required; however, the doctor will instruct the parents on how to proceed and allow the broken collarbone to heal.

A clavicle fracture is referred to as a form of birth trauma, a general term describing any cuts, fractures, or other injuries that occur during labor or delivery. About 2% of all live births in the United States result in physical injuries that are unrelated to congenital conditions. Birth trauma is also more-common in babies that are larger than average, due to the fact that these types of deliveries often present more risks.

A broken clavicle is not automatically assumed to be caused by medical malpractice. In order for you to have a valid and actionable claim against the hospital or doctor for malpractice, the treatment provided must have fallen below the accepted standard of practice in the medical community.

To discuss the facts of your case with us (for free) today, call us at (214) 651-6100 or email us using the contact form found on this page. If you choose to have us help with your claim, we'll take your case on a no-win, no-fee basis.