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Brachial Plexus Injury Claims
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that conducts signals from the spine to the shoulders, arms and hands. These nerves can stretch or tear when a baby's shoulders become impacted during delivery. Symptoms of brachial plexus injuries include:
- Limp or paralyzed arms
- Lack of muscle control in the shoulder, arm, elbow, hand or wrist
- Lack of feeling in the arm or hand
Some brachial plexus injuries heal without treatment, but others require physical therapy or surgical nerve reconnection. Types of brachial plexus injuries include:
- Erb's Palsy affects the muscles around the shoulder and elbow, and is the most common of the brachial plexus injuries. It is frequently caused when one of the baby's shoulders becomes stuck under the mother's pelvic bone during birth.
- Klumpke's Palsy is characterized by lack of movement in the wrist or hand.
- Complete Palsy affects all of the brachial plexus nerves.
- Horner's Syndrome is a rare type of brachial plexus injury that affects the facial nerves. Symptoms include constricted pupils, elevation or drooping of the eyelid, retraction of the eyeball and increased pink color and warmth in the ears and nose.
Typical medical malpractice causes of brachial plexus injuries include:
- Failure to deliver a larger baby by cesarean section
- Failure to adequately deliver the baby in cases where the mother's pelvis is too small to accommodate the baby's shoulders
- Use of excessive pressure-often with forceps or vacuum devices-on the baby's head, neck or shoulders during delivery
If you suspect medical negligence may have played a part in your child's brachial plexus injury, contact us for a comprehensive and confidential evaluation with no obligation.
If your baby has been harmed by a birth injury, please call or email our experienced birth injury lawyers today. We'll evaluate your claim for free and help you get the justice you deserve.