Facial Palsy

Facial nerve palsy due to birth trauma causes the loss of (voluntary) facial muscle movements.  The loss of control is due to pressure on the facial nerves (the 7th cranial nerve) immediately before or during labor and delivery.  Forceps deliveries incrase the risk of injury.

In most instances of facial palsy, only the lower part of the facial nerve is damaged.  The lower portion of the facial nerve controls the muscles around the lips.  Damage to this portion of the nerve can be seen when a baby cries.  Other symptoms to facial palsy include:

• an eyelid that does not close properly on one side;
• lower face appears uneven, especially when crying;
• mouth does not move the same on both side, especially when crying;
• no movement on one side of the head
  

The trial lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have decades of experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict medical malpractice, birth injury and hospital negligence cases involving facial palsy.  If your baby has been diagnosed with facial palsy or facial nerve injury, he or she may also have suffered other birth injuries and you and your family may be entitled to compensation for lifelong health care, medical expenses, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. 

To discuss your case or concerns with an experienced Central New York medical malpractice and birth injury attorney, contact us now at (315) 422-3466, (800) 336-LAWS, or by e-mail at info@bottarleone.com.