The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that transfers signals originating in the cervical spinal cord (neck) to the shoulder, arm, hand and fingers. Brachial refers to the arm, while plexus refers to the branching network of nerves. These nerves provide movement and sensation to the shoulder, arm, hand and fingers. Brachial plexus injuries at birth occur when these nerves are damaged during vaginal or operative vaginal delivery. These types of birth injuries are often referred to as birth-related brachial plexus palsy or obstetric brachial plexus palsy.
A newborn brachial plexus injury is common when there is difficulty delivering the baby’s shoulder through the maternal pelvis. This often occurs when a baby’s head is delivered and the shoulder becomes trapped against the maternal pubic bone. Such a scenario is also known as a shoulder dystocia.
If the medical professional fails to anticipate a shoulder dystocia or applies excessive manipulation where the infant’s brachial plexus nerves stretch or tear, injuries to these nerve bundles may occur, resulting in a brachial plexus injury at birth.
There are different types of brachial plexus injuries. These injuries depend on the extent of trauma done to the nerve.
Sometimes, a neuroma can form as a reaction to nerve injury. Neuromas represent the scar tissue that builds around the injured nerve and can obstruct the nerve’s ability to send signals to the muscle.
Permanent damage, such as paralysis, numbness and weakness of the arm and shoulder can be consequences of a brachial plexus injury. These injuries often occur as a result of medical negligence and may not be detected until after a baby is born.
Symptoms of a brachial plexus injury in a newborn include:
Treatment options depend on several factors. These factors include:
When a brachial plexus injury occurs during the labor and delivery process, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim against the healthcare provider that delivered your baby. Compensation you may receive from a brachial plexus birth injury lawsuit may help you pay for expensive treatment or surgeries to repair a brachial plexus injury as well as therapy. It does not cost you anything to speak to our Chicago birth injury law firm about your potential case.
If you believe your child has suffered from a brachial plexus injury or suffers from Erb’s palsy, please contact a Chicago brachial plexus injury attorney from our firm. A brachial plexus injury lawyer from our firm may be able to help you. We handle cases nationwide and have offices in Chicago, New York and Wilmington, DE. Call us at (877) 262-9767 to discuss your situation.
The following reviews from our clients do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of another legal matter. The cases mentioned in the reviews are illustrative of some of the matters previously handled by Grant & Eisenhofer involving various areas of birth injury law. These reviews are endorsements.
The following reviews from our clients do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of another legal matter. The cases mentioned in the reviews are illustrative of some of the matters previously handled by Grant & Eisenhofer involving various areas of birth injury law. These reviews are endorsements.