Albuquerque Torticollis Lawyer

Advocating for Families Impacted by Birth Injuries in Albuquerque, NM

Torticollis, a condition often referred to as “twisted neck,” can significantly impact a baby’s early development and overall well-being. This condition, marked by tightened or strained neck muscles, can leave newborns unable to move their heads freely, affecting their ability to breastfeed, interact, or achieve developmental milestones. If your baby developed torticollis due to medical negligence during childbirth, James Wood Law is here to help.

With extensive experience handling birth injury cases in Albuquerque, NM, our compassionate attorneys help navigate the complexities of medical malpractice. We will fight tirelessly on your family’s behalf, seeking justice and securing the compensation needed to care for your child’s future.

Contact us today at (888) 579-3866 for a free consultation to discuss how we can assist you.

What Is Torticollis?

Torticollis, also known as congenital muscular torticollis (CMT), is a condition where a baby’s neck muscles become shortened or tightened, causing the head to tilt to one side while the chin points in the opposite direction. It often appears shortly after birth and is frequently linked to issues during pregnancy or delivery.

While mild cases of torticollis may resolve with early treatment, more severe cases can lead to long-term complications, including developmental delays, limited mobility, and challenges in maintaining balance. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent further complications or lifelong impacts on your child.

Causes of Torticollis in Infants

Torticollis is often associated with circumstances during pregnancy or childbirth. Common causes include:

• Improper Use of Forceps or Vacuum Extraction: Excessive force or improper handling during delivery can strain or damage a newborn’s neck muscles, leading to torticollis.
• Birth Trauma: Difficult or prolonged deliveries can result in injuries to the baby’s neck area.
• Abnormal Positioning in the Womb: If a baby remains in an unusual position during pregnancy, such as being pressed against the mother’s pelvis, it can lead to tightened neck muscles at birth.
• Breech Deliveries: Babies born bottom-first are at greater risk of neck strain during delivery.

Medical professionals are responsible for recognizing and mitigating these risks. When they fail to diagnose or properly treat torticollis stemming from birth trauma, it can constitute medical negligence.

Recognizing the Signs of Torticollis

Parents are often the first to notice signs of torticollis in their infants. Common indicators include:

• A tilted head, often with the chin pointing to the opposite shoulder.
• Difficulty turning the head from side to side or up and down.
• A preference for looking in one direction, particularly during play or feeding.
• Frustration or difficulty breastfeeding, particularly on one side.
• A flat spot developing on one side of the head due to limited mobility (positional plagiocephaly).
• Detecting a small lump or knot in the baby’s neck muscles.

If you observe these symptoms in your child, consult a pediatrician for diagnosis and treatment. If improper medical care during childbirth contributed to your child’s condition, seeking legal advice is also essential.

How Medical Negligence Contributes to Torticollis

While some cases of torticollis result from unavoidable circumstances, others are preventable and stem from medical negligence. Doctors and medical staff are required to follow a high standard of care during childbirth to avoid unnecessary harm. Neglect or improper actions that may lead to torticollis include:

• Applying excessive force when delivering the baby.
• Misusing delivery devices like forceps or vacuum extractors.
• Failing to perform a C-section when complications made vaginal delivery unsafe.
• Delaying a diagnosis despite visible signs of torticollis.
• Neglecting to recommend appropriate treatments such as physical therapy or stretching exercises.

These instances of negligence can create lifelong challenges for your child, and medical professionals must be held accountable for their mistakes.

Pursuing Compensation for Torticollis Birth Injuries

A diagnosis of torticollis can lead to extensive medical expenses, emotional strain, and challenges meeting your child’s ongoing care needs. A medical malpractice claim can help you pursue compensation for damages, which may include but are not limited to the following expenses:

• Medical Bills: Covering the costs of diagnostics, physical therapy, medications, or surgery (if necessary).
• Therapy Costs: Expenses for ongoing occupational or physical therapy to restore your child’s mobility.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for time parents may miss from work to provide care for their child.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the emotional toll on your child and your family.
• Future Costs: Accounting for long-term needs such as adaptive devices or future medical complications.

At James Wood Law, we will thoroughly investigate your case, work with medical experts, and build a compelling argument tailored to your family’s needs.

Why Choose James Wood Law?

Navigating a medical malpractice claim can feel overwhelming, especially when focused on your child’s care. At James Wood Law, our Albuquerque legal team is committed to easing your burden by providing compassionate, skilled advocacy. Here’s why local families trust us during such challenging times:

• Decades of Experience: With extensive experience in birth injury and medical malpractice cases, we understand how to hold negligent medical providers accountable.
• Client-Centered Approach: We prioritize your family’s well-being, keeping you informed and supported at every stage.
• Proven Track Record: Our attorneys have secured significant settlements for families impacted by medical negligence.
• Contingency Fee Basis: You won’t pay us unless we win your case, ensuring accessible legal support for all families.

Take Action Today

If your baby developed torticollis due to birth trauma and medical negligence, you don’t have to go through this alone. At James Wood Law, we are committed to fighting for justice and ensuring your family has the financial support needed for recovery and care.

The sooner you act, the sooner we can begin building a strong case on your behalf. Allow our experienced and compassionate legal team to advocate for your family’s rights while providing the guidance and support you deserve.

Call us today at (888) 579-3866 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation.