When you notice your baby’s head is persistently tilted to one side, you may be diagnosed with infant torticollis, or “twisted neck.” Your pediatrician may reassure you that it’s a common condition that can often be resolved with physical therapy and stretching exercises. While this is true in many cases, torticollis can also be the first visible sign of a traumatic birth or be linked to a more severe, underlying birth injury.
If you suspect your child’s torticollis is the result of a difficult delivery or if you have concerns about their development, you have the right to seek answers. An experienced infant torticollis lawyer can help you understand the potential causes of your child’s condition and determine if medical negligence was a factor.
At CP Family Help, we understand that a condition like torticollis can be a clue to a much larger story. Our legal team specializes in investigating the complex events of labor and delivery to ensure that if an injury was preventable, the responsible parties are held accountable.
Infant torticollis is caused by the shortening or tightening of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, which runs along the sides of the neck. While sometimes the cause is unknown, it is frequently associated with birth trauma in two main ways:
An infant torticollis lawyer investigates the full picture to determine if the condition is an isolated, treatable issue or a sign of a more significant, lifelong birth injury.
Even if your child’s torticollis is being treated, there are compelling reasons to speak with a lawyer to ensure your child’s rights and future are protected.
The first thing a lawyer will do is obtain and review your labor and delivery records. They will look for evidence of a traumatic birth that could explain the injury to the neck muscle. This includes:
If the delivery was traumatic, the torticollis may be a direct result of a doctor’s actions.
Torticollis and Erb’s Palsy often occur together. The same forceful pulling on a baby’s head and neck that can damage the SCM muscle can also stretch and tear the brachial plexus nerves, causing paralysis or weakness in the arm. An infant torticollis lawyer knows that a torticollis diagnosis should always trigger an investigation for a co-occurring and more severe brachial plexus injury, which is a very strong basis for a medical malpractice claim.
Torticollis can also be a symptom of abnormal muscle tone and control caused by brain damage. If your child’s torticollis is accompanied by other signs like stiffness or floppiness in their limbs, feeding difficulties, or missed developmental milestone sit could be a sign of Cerebral Palsy. A lawyer will investigate whether the underlying cause of the brain damage was a preventable event, such as oxygen deprivation (HIE) during labor.
If a pediatrician fails to diagnose torticollis in a timely manner, it can lead to more serious problems. Untreated torticollis can cause permanent facial asymmetry and plagiocephaly (“flat head syndrome”), which may require your child to wear a corrective helmet. In some cases, a delay in treatment can make physical therapy less effective, leading to the need for more invasive interventions like surgery. A failure to meet the standard of care for diagnosis and treatment can be a form of malpractice.
While the cost of physical therapy for torticollis alone may be manageable, the costs associated with its related conditions are not. A child with Erb’s Palsy may need surgery and years of therapy. A child with Cerebral Palsy will need a lifetime of comprehensive and incredibly expensive care. A lawyer will work with experts to determine the full extent of your child’s injuries and calculate the lifelong costs, ensuring you don’t accept a settlement that only addresses the “twisted neck.”
You deserve to know why your child was injured. A hospital or doctor may be vague or dismissive, but a lawyer can get you answers. By conducting a thorough, independent investigation, an attorney can provide clarity and, if negligence is found, a path to justice. Holding the responsible parties accountable can provide a sense of closure and can help ensure that similar mistakes are not made in the future. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We understand you have many questions about this condition and your legal rights.
It is always wise to get a free consultation. Even if the neck tilt improves, the underlying cause a traumatic birth may have resulted in other, more subtle injuries that won’t become apparent until later. It is important to understand your legal rights before the strict deadline to file a claim, the Statute of Limitations, expires.
Plagiocephaly, or “flat head syndrome,” is a common side effect of torticollis because the baby constantly rests their head in the same position. If severe, it can require treatment with a custom-molded helmet. In a legal case based on a failure to diagnose torticollis, the cost and emotional distress of treating plagiocephaly can be included as part of the damages.
There are no upfront costs. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. We fund the entire investigation and legal process from our own resources. We are only paid as a percentage of the compensation we successfully secure for you. If we do not win, you owe us absolutely nothing.
If your child was diagnosed with torticollis and you suspect it was caused by a difficult birth, or if you are concerned about other developmental issues, you deserve answers.
The dedicated legal team at CP Family Help is here to provide a free, confidential case evaluation. We can help you understand the full picture of your child’s condition and fight for the justice and resources your family needs. Contact us today.
