$700,000 Jury Verdict for Birth Injury Forceps Misuse Damages Infant’s Arm

• Date: Fall 1995
• Attorney: John Blume
• Settlement: $700,000
• Practice Areas: Medical Malpractice, Labor & Delivery, Shoulder Dystocia, Erb’s Palsy, Birth Injury, Brachial Plexus

After deliberating less than one day, an Essex County jury awarded the family of the infant $700,000 for an injury suffered during her delivery at Kennedy Memorial Hospital.

At the trial, John Blume presented evidence that the infant’s physician inappropriately used forceps as well as other unsuitable means in an attempt to deliver the infant when he observed a ” shoulder dystocia ” situation.

Now 4 1/2 years old, the child’s left arm is permanently injured by nerve damage and acquired Erbs Palsy. She suffers permanent limited use of the arm.