Brachial Plexus Injury
(Shoulder Dystocia; Erb’s Palsy; Klumpke’s Palsy)
Both a mother and her newborn are entitled to a high standard of care during child birth. Unfortunately, numerous injuries are caused by a nurse, mid-wife or a physician’s failure to meet that standard of care. One such injury, Brachial Plexus Palsy, can result in permanent impairment in an infant’s arm and shoulder function. The Brachial Plexus is a series of nerves that run from the spine out the neck under the arm pit and down into the arm. The Brachial Plexus nerves are responsible for movement and sensation of the arm.
Most Brachial Plexus injuries are caused by unnecessary stretching or pulling of the infant’s shoulders or neck during birth by the physician, mid-wife or nurse. These preventable injuries affect the network of nerves that provide movement and sensation to an infant’s arm. Fortunately, these injuries can be prevented when physicians, mid-wives and nurses follow proper guidelines and procedure to avoid stretching the nerves.
Brachial Plexus injuries are both expensive and permanent. Brachial Plexus injuries often require significant additional medical treatment and costs. When medical providers cause major damage to the Brachial Plexus nerves, numerous surgeries may be necessary to restore some movement to the arm or shoulder. However, full hand function and arm movement is rarely completely restored as a result of major damage to the Brachial Plexus nerves. Even after surgery, infants may be required to undergo months of physical therapy to restore movement to the injured appendage.
Gibson & O’Keefe is a preeminent medical malpractice law firm in Ohio with over 40 years of experience in the complex medical malpractice area of law. With access to well-respected medical experts and medical resources, Gibson & O’Keefe vigorously represents its clients. If your infant has suffered from any type of Brachial Plexus or birth injury, please contact our experienced attorneys today for a free initial consultation at 937/643-0600.