Understanding Brachial Plexus Injuries From Delivery Errors
Brachial plexus injuries from difficult births can lead to a condition known as Erb’s palsy, which is weakness or paralysis of the affected arm. It is a devastating injury, one that is in many cases preventable.
The attorneys of Kurzban Kurzban Tetzeli & Pratt, P.A. in Miami, Florida, hold hospitals and doctors accountable when their negligence causes a permanent injury in a child. We handle obstetric injury cases throughout Florida and the United States. Call 305-744-5888 for a free initial consultation.
Was The Injury Preventable?
The brachial plexus is a bundle of nerves in the neck and shoulder that control arm movements. A baby can suffer damage to this bundle of nerves if they become wedged in the birth canal during delivery. This can happen during a breech delivery, due to prolonged labor or when the baby is too large for the birth canal. In most cases, only the upper nerves are damaged, which leads to Erb’s palsy. In some cases, both the upper and lower nerves suffer damage.
Errors that can lead to a brachial plexus injury include:
- Delayed cesarean section
- Misuse of forceps or extraction pump
- Failure to respond to fetal distress
Symptoms And Treatment Of Brachial Plexus Injuries
A child suffering a brachial plexus injury may have weakness of certain muscles in the hand, arm or shoulder. For example, your child may be unable to raise his or her arm above shoulder level. Many newborns with minor brachial plexus injuries recover on their own within two years. Unfortunately, some children suffer permanent paralysis and atrophy of the muscles.
Even if your child’s brachial plexus injury seems minor, you should seek medical treatment for your child. You should also discuss your case with an experienced and compassionate birth injury attorney. If your child has suffered a permanent injury, we can seek compensation to help your child meet the challenges that he or she will face.
For More Information About Your Legal Options, Call Us
If your child suffered a brachial plexus injury during delivery, call our lawyers at 305-744-5888 to arrange a free, confidential consultation or fill out our online form.
