The Effects Of Brachial Plexus Injuries
A medical error during a difficult delivery could affect a baby's entire life. For example, a dangerous situation of a baby's stuck shoulder during delivery, called shoulder dystocia, is a frequent cause of brachial plexus injury. A doctor's failure to use correct delivery techniques in this situation can cause permanent damage to the brachial nerves, stretching or even tearing them.
Crandall & Pera Law, understands the terrible impact a brachial plexus injury can have on a child, including physical limitations that make it impossible to engage in many sports or play most musical instruments, in addition to the associated psychological pain. Our team of medical malpractice attorneys, registered nurses and legal staff has helped families throughout Ohio and Kentucky obtain fair compensation for newborns afflicted by long-term or permanent loss of limb function due to negligent labor and delivery practices.
Why Brachial Plexus Injuries Are Serious
Brachial plexus injuries are serious because of the integral role this nerve pathway plays. Starting at either side of the neck's base, the brachial plexi are nerve highways which connect the brain, spine and shoulders and branch down to the arm and hands, sending impulses affecting sensation and movement. Injury to this nerve can cause paralysis or inability to use an arm or hand properly. If a child's brachial plexus is stretched, a condition called neuropraxia, then timely and comprehensive physical therapy may be able to restore proper function. Children with a torn brachial plexus, such as a rupture or avulsion, will likely need prompt surgery to repair the damage and avoid paralysis. Children with a neuroma, scar tissue from a self-healed tear, may need a combination of modalities to recover the use of an arm.
Erb's Palsy And Klumpke's Palsy
Complications during the delivery of a baby need timely and appropriate medical intervention. Mistakes or negligence by medical providers during labor and delivery can cause brachial plexus injuries that lead to Erb's palsy and Klumpke's palsy. These conditions are often lifelong, causing prolonged pain and requiring multiple medical interventions, including surgeries, to attempt to restore comfort and use of the affected areas.
Erb's palsy and Klumpke's palsy can occur during a delivery complicated by shoulder dystocia. Too much pulling of the baby's neck and head during this type of delivery can lead to these conditions. Erbs' palsy is marked by arm and shoulder muscles that are weak or even paralyzed. Klumpke's palsy weakens or paralyzes the hand, wrist or forearm muscles.
We Are Here To Support You
It is an uphill battle to obtain fair compensation for a child's injury after medical malpractice occurs. Please call 855-444-6651 or fill out our contact form to set up a free initial consultation with one of our skilled attorneys. We have offices conveniently located across Ohio and northern Kentucky.