While most people likely would not be able to identify what the “phrenic nerve” is or what it does off the tops of their heads, just about everyone knows what it feels like to get a case of the “hiccups” after this nerve experiences some minor irritation. Unfortunately, more severe trauma to this part of the body can have debilitating and even life-threatening effects, especially in newborns.
Just like with any other type of birth injury caused by negligence, it is possible to demand civil compensation for the negative effects of phrenic nerve damage stemming from a physician’s misconduct. However, if you want the best possible chances of getting the best possible case outcome, you will want to specifically seek the help of a Connecticut phrenic nerve injury lawyer from Berkowitz Hanna who knows through past experience how to handle claims like yours.
Every human being has two phrenic nerves extending from the cervical section of the spinal cord forward into the neck, each respectively controlling one side of the diaphragm. When the phrenic nerve stimulates the diaphragm to contract, it causes the lungs to expand and draw in air, and it is this involuntary and unconscious reflex that allows people to breathe without consciously thinking about it.
Because the phrenic nerves connect to one of the highest parts of the spinal cord, it is very rare for spinal cord trauma to impact the injured person’s ability to breathe, even if the injury causes widespread paralysis elsewhere in the body. However, if the phrenic nerve is damaged by external trauma, untreated tumors, or conditions like infections of the space(s) between the pleural layers of the lungs, it can lead to paralysis of the diaphragm, which in turn can cause symptoms ranging from mild shortness of breath and sleep apnea to life-threatening difficulty taking in air.
Hyperextension of the neck during delivery can lead to phrenic nerve injuries in newborns. This can happen during traumatic deliveries. Doctors should know to look for signs of birth injuries like these and take reasonable steps to prevent and treat them. However, this is not always the case.
When phrenic nerve damage stems from misconduct by a medical professional, it is necessary to prove that the defendant doctor did something notably irresponsible compared to what another physician would have done under the same circumstances. Support from a skilled lawyer can be especially important to achieving a favorable result from this sort of civil claim in Connecticut.
Birth injuries can be traumatic for everyone involved. If your infant suffered a phrenic nerve injury due to a provider’s negligence or was improperly treated after suffering an injury, you could have a case for compensation.
A conversation with a Connecticut phrenic nerve injury lawyer from Berkowitz Hanna will give you answers to important questions and confidence about the right path forward for your unique claim. Call today to discuss your options.
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