Michigan Brachial Plexus Lawyer
Brachial Plexus Birth Injury
What is a Brachial Plexus Injury?
The brachial plexus refers to a network of nerves that run from the spine and through the neck to the shoulders, arms, and hands. An infant can suffer a brachial plexus injury (BPI), also known as Erb’s Palsy, during birth. This BPI is the result of excessive or improper force by the doctor during the delivery, which causes bruising and tearing to the brachial plexus nerves.
About three percent of all children in the U.S. experience birth injuries each year, and brachial plexus palsy (BPP) is one of the more common potential Michigan birth injuries. While these instances vary greatly in severity, any potential threat to the life or well being of a newborn is both physically and emotionally taxing for the infant and family.
What Causes a Brachial Plexus Injury?
When a shoulder is caught by one of the pubic bones during delivery, the doctor may use excessive force in delivering the baby. That excessive force can cause tearing or stretching of the brachial plexus nerves. Risk factors may include:
- The baby has a large weight and size.
- The mother has diabetes.
- The mother is obese.
What are the Effects of a Brachial Plexus Injury?
When the brachial plexus nerves are ruptured, torn, or stretched, the effects will range in severity:
- partial or full paralysis of the arm and/or hand
- loss of sensory or motor function in the arm and/or hand
- arm and/or hand weakness or numbness
- bending of the affected arm towards the body
What Are the Treatment Options for Brachial Plexus Injury or Erb’s Palsy?
A pediatrician can diagnose BPI based on a physical examination of the arm. Following the diagnosis, treatment options are presented. The main treatment for the condition is daily physical therapy. A doctor or physical therapist will show the proper range-of-motion exercises for parents to do with their baby to maintain muscle motion and prevent joints from stiffening.
If there’s been no improvement after three to six months, the doctor may recommend surgery as the next course of action. As one surgical option, a nerve graft may be done to repair the rupture by splicing another one of the child’s nerves. Or, a nerve transfer is done by taking a nerve from a different muscle and using it as a donor to restore function to the arm. Sadly, neither procedure will restore full and normal function.
Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries Can Be Prevented
Characterized by weakness or inability to use the arms or legs normally, brachial plexus palsy is commonly the result of two possible scenarios:
- large child or difficult birth
- excessive pulling or distortion of the child’s head or neck at birth
While most frequently found among larger babies, brachial plexus injuries can happen to any newborn. If the medical professionals assisting with the birth do not take the precautions necessary to protect the child’s head and neck, then severe nerve damage can occur.
With minor cases of brachial plexus, injuries typically heal in a relatively short amount of time. But greater injuries may result in more serious outcomes:
- permanent paralysis of the arm or head
- loss of muscle control or feeling in hands and arms
- permanent facial paralysis
Brachial plexus birth injuries are highly preventable. If your newborn has been subjected to this condition because of a negligent medical professional, then you may be eligible to receive financial compensation through a settlement or jury verdict.
Receive Compensation for Your Child’s Birth Injury
Call a Michigan birth injury lawyer today if your infant suffers from brachial plexus palsy. An investigation and review of medical procedures can help ensure that you receive full financial compensation for any monetary loss or costs related to your baby’s injury.
Speak with a Michigan birth injury attorney at Thurswell Law Firm today by calling (866) 354-5544. Our skilled and accomplished lawyers are available for a free consultation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Thurswell Law Has the Experience You Need
Thurswell Law has been assisting families and children with Erb’s palsy as a result of a birth injury since 1968. We won’t charge a fee unless we recover money for your child. Call us today at 248-354-2222 for a free consultation.
