Mesothelioma Legal Advice

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Brachial plexus injuries affect thousands of babies born each year in the United States and may result in conditions like Erb’s palsy. The group of nerves that runs from the spinal cord in the neck, down the shoulder and into the hand is referred to as the brachial plexus. Injuries to this group of nerves may occur as the baby passes through the birth canal, particularly if the shoulders become impacted.

Brachial plexus injuries are preventable with proper medical care. And while many brachial plexus injuries resolve themselves with no medical treatment, more severe injuries may require extensive treatments such as surgery. Some children never fully recover from brachial plexus injuries.

Minor to Severe Injuries

Injuries to the brachial plexus vary in nature, depending on the particular type of damage done to the nerve. Less severe brachial plexus injuries include:

· Neuropraxia – the nerve is damaged (stretched, for example) but not torn

· Neuroma – scar tissue has formed around a damaged nerve, preventing the nerve from sending signals to the muscles of the shoulder, arm and/or hand

More severe brachial plexus injuries include:

· Rupture – the nerve is torn but not from the spine

· Avulsions – the nerve is torn from the spine

Symptoms of a brachial plexus injury include weak or limp arm, impaired movement, or paralysis of the hand or arm.

Diagnosis & Treatment of Brachial Plexus Injuries

Diagnosing a brachial plexus injury may involve a battery of tests including x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, and/or nerve conduction testing. Once brachial plexus injuries are diagnosed, the treatment options available will depend on how sever the nerve damage is. Physical therapy is a common treatment for less serious brachial plexus injuries.

For more serious injuries, surgery for nerve grafting or transfer may be necessary. The best outcome is achieved if treatment begins shortly after the injury is sustained. Because of this, if you notice any symptoms of a possible brachial plexus injury in your child, you should consult with a physician as soon as possible.

When to Consult an Attorney

Medical negligence is an unfortunate cause of birth injury, but it happens nevertheless. You may wish to talk to an attorney if your baby was born after an especially difficult or traumatic delivery, particularly if:

· The baby was in breech position or larger than 9 lbs

· Force was used to pull the baby from the birth canal (for instance, vacuum extraction or forceps were used)

· The labor was prolonged

An attorney can evaluate your case to determine if medical negligence was a possible factor in your child’s condition and whether you may be eligible for compensation. Victims of medical malpractice may be able to collect money for things such as medical treatment expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of earning capacity.

Contact Burke & Eisner Today

At Burke & Eisner, our dedicated attorneys have helped clients across the country obtain significant settlements and verdicts for injuries caused by medical malpractice. To have us review your case at no charge, contact us today. We’d be glad to inform you of your options and answer any legal questions you may have.