Brachial Plexus Injury Lawyer
Brachial plexus injuries may occur from the attempted birth of a baby that is too big for a mother’s pelvis. These injuries can permanently affect the mobility and sensation of a baby’s arms, hands, and shoulders. While statistics suggest the occurrence of brachial plexus injuries are ‘just’ in 1.5 of every 1,000 live births, tell this to the parents of an injured baby whose life will forever be adversely impacted
Medical training is designed to prepare medical professionals to be aware of, and react to possible complications that arise during the labor and delivery process. Despite their extensive training, however, medical professionals sometimes make mistakes. Since brachial plexus injuries are serious, the resulting costs of life-long care is often substantial. When a brachial plexus injury occurs, it is imperative to call me right away, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Types of Brachial Plexus Injuries
The brachial plexus is a bundle of nerves that connects a person’s upper limbs to the spinal cord. If these nerves are damaged, a person’s ability to lift and fully bend his or her arms may be damaged. The various types of nerve trauma that can occur include:
Avulsion – is when the nerves tear away from the spinal cord attachment point
Erb’s palsy – refers to an injury to the upper brachial plexus that causes movement difficulty of the the arms and shoulders
Global palsy – refers to an injury to both the upper and lower nerves that causes movement difficulty of the arms, hands, or shoulders
Klumpke’s palsy – refers to an injury to the lower brachial plexus nerves that result in loss of hand and wrist motion
Neuroma – is scar tissue resulting from a nerve injury. The scar tissue interrupts signals from the nerves to the muscles
Neuropaxia –, occurs when the nerve is stretched but does not tear
Rupture – occurs when the nerves tear at a location other than the spine attachment point
Expenses Associated with Brachial Plexus Injuries
Medical expenses
Many brachial plexus injuries require immediate medical attention. These costs encompass a range of services, including hospitalization, diagnostic tests, surgical procedures, and regular doctor’s visits. Medical professionals assess the extent of the brachial plexus injury and develop treatment plans to address it, which can incur substantial expense.
Physical therapy
Children with severe brachial plexus injuries often require extensive physical therapy. This specialized therapy is crucial for regaining muscle strength, range of motion, and function in the affected arm. Mild brachial plexus injuries may also benefit from physical therapy, albeit to a lesser extent.
Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy is essential for children with brachial plexus birth injuries. This therapy focuses on improving fine motor skills and helping the child adapt to daily activities despite limited arm function. It is particularly valuable in cases of severe brachial plexus injuries.
Surgical costs
Severe brachial plexus injuries may necessitate multiple surgeries to repair the injured nerve or address complications. Surgical costs can include expenses related to nerve grafting, tendon transfers, or other procedures to restore arm function.
Medical equipment:
To aid in the recovery process, children with brachial plexus injuries often require specialized medical equipment such as braces, splints, or slings. These devices support the injured arm and assist in the healing process.
Prescription medications
Pain management, muscle relaxants, and medications to prevent infection are often prescribed during the recovery phase of a brachial plexus injury. These medications are critical for managing pain and minimizing complications.
Assistive devices
Many children with brachial plexus injuries rely on assistive devices such as wheelchairs or adaptive tools to help with daily activities. These devices enhance independence and quality of life for those with severe brachial plexus injuries.
Home modifications
Families may need to make modifications to their homes to accommodate the needs of a child with a brachial plexus injury. This can include installing ramps, adjusting doorways, or making changes to the bathroom to ensure accessibility.
Transportation costs
The frequent need for medical appointments and therapy sessions can result in transportation expenses. Families may need to budget for gas, parking fees, or public transportation fares, particularly in cases of severe brachial plexus injuries that require regular medical visits.
Lost income
When a child sustains a severe brachial plexus injury, parents or caregivers may need to take time off work to provide care and support. This can lead to lost income, affecting the family’s financial stability during the recovery period.
Special education services
In cases where the brachial plexus injury affects the child’s ability to attend school, families may need to consider the costs associated with special education services. This includes tutoring and adaptive learning tools.
Psychological support
Dealing with the emotional and psychological impact of a brachial plexus injury is crucial for both the child and the family. Counseling or therapy can help individuals cope with the challenges and emotional stress caused by severe brachial plexus injuries.
Long-term care
Children with severe brachial plexus injuries often require long-term care, which can include ongoing medical monitoring, rehabilitation, and assistance with daily living activities. These costs extend beyond the initial phases of treatment and recovery.
Insurance premiums
Health insurance premiums may increase due to the ongoing medical needs of a child with a severe brachial plexus injury. Families need to budget for these higher costs to maintain adequate coverage.
Travel expenses
In cases where specialized care is not available locally, families may need to incur travel and accommodation expenses to access the necessary medical facilities and expertise.
Home care services
For children with severe brachial plexus injuries, hiring in-home caregivers or nurses may be necessary to provide round-the-clock care and support.
Future surgeries and treatments
It’s essential to consider potential future medical procedures or treatments that may be required for a child with a severe brachial plexus injury. Budgeting for these ongoing healthcare needs is crucial for the child’s long-term well-being.
I understand how expensive it can be making sure you are providing the best care for someone you love. If your child suffered a brachial plexus birth injury, I am here to help. I will take care of the legal process, so you are available to help you child. Call me today, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Causes of Brachial Plexus Injuries
Birth Trauma
Brachial plexus injuries occur during childbirth, often due to excessive force exerted on the baby’s head, neck, or shoulders. This trauma can result in damage to the delicate brachial plexus anatomy, comprising a network of nerves that control arm and hand movement. Healthcare providers, including obstetricians and nurses, may be at fault if they fail to use appropriate delivery techniques or provide adequate care to prevent such brachial plexus injuries.
Shoulder Dystocia
Brachial plexus palsy can occur when a baby experiences shoulder dystocia during birth, a condition where the shoulders get stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone. If medical professionals do not respond promptly and correctly to address this situation, it can lead to nerve injuries within the brachial plexus. Obstetricians and delivery teams may be at fault for not recognizing and addressing shoulder dystocia in a timely manner. The resulting severity of a brachial plexus injury depends on their actions.
Medical Procedures
Injuries to the brachial plexus can also result from medical procedures, such as improperly administered vaccinations or injections, causing nerve injuries. In such cases, healthcare practitioners or medical facilities may be at fault for negligently administering the injections, leading to brachial plexus anatomy damage.
Accidents and Trauma
Beyond birth-related causes, brachial plexus injuries can occur due to accidents or traumatic events, including car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. These accidents can result in various degrees of nerve injuries within the brachial plexus.
Medical Malpractice
Medical professionals may be at fault for brachial plexus injuries during surgical procedures. Errors such as improper positioning or inadequate monitoring during surgery can lead to nerve injuries within the brachial plexus. This illustrates how medical negligence may result in brachial plexus injuries..
Negligent Handling
Brachial plexus injuries can occur when childcare providers or caregivers mishandle a child. Rough handling, improper lifting techniques, or a lack of supervision can lead to minor brachial plexus injuries. In such cases, nurses or caregivers may be at fault for not taking appropriate precautions.
Treatment of Brachial Plexus Injuries
Recovering from a brachial plexus injury can be possible if the injury is not severe. Other more serious injuries to the brachial plexus, however, do not leave a victim with many recovery options. Some of the non-surgical treatments that may be utilized include physical rehabilitation and the use of braces and splints. In situations where damage is irreversible, treatment options may include surgery and therapy.
Physician Error and Brachial Plexus Injuries
Trauma during the birthing process is one of the most common causes of brachial plexus injuries. In some situations, the condition is hereditary. Unusual positioning of the fetus can also lead to brachial plexus injuries. Infants wo are trapped in the birth canal can experience deadly low levels of blood oxygen, therefore medical professionals are required to utilize an action to extract the child which can lead to brachial plexus injuries. Cesarean section can also result in brachial plexus injury.
Your Brachial Plexus Attorney
Working with me is crucial for the parents of a child who has suffered a brachial plexus injury. I can help you recover damages in terms of financial relief, accountability, and improving medical standards. Here are a few of the reasons why you need to give me a call:
Financial Relief: Brachial plexus injuries, especially more severe injuries, often result in significant medical expenses. These expenses can include surgeries, nerve grafts, extensive physical and occupational therapy, and ongoing medical care. I can help you seek compensation that covers these costs, relieving you of the financial burden associated with your child’s injury. This financial relief allows you to provide the best possible care and support for your child, ensuring access to necessary treatments and therapies.
Accountability: Holding the person or entity accountable for the brachial plexus injury is a vital aspect of seeking justice. Whether the injury occurred due to medical malpractice, negligence, or other circumstances, legal action helps ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions. This not only serves the interests of justice but also sends a clear message that negligence leading to nerve damage and muscle atrophy will not be tolerated. I have worked for more than 40 years to ensure the medical community is held to a higher standard because our lives depend on it!
Improving Medical Standards: Pursuing legal action can have a broader impact on medical professionals and institutions. When medical malpractice or negligence cases are brought to light and result in consequences, it reinforces the importance of adhering to high standards of care. This, in turn, promotes a culture of accountability within the healthcare industry, leading to improved patient safety and reduced occurrences of severe pain and nerve damage.
Advocating for the Child’s Needs: I will advocate on behalf of your child who has suffered a brachial plexus injury. This includes ensuring that he or she receives the appropriate medical treatments, such as nerve grafts, and therapies required for recovery. I will work to ensure your child’s long-term needs are considered and met. I will do whatever I can to help you obtain compensation for ongoing physical and occupational therapy to promote functional improvement.
Let Me Help You
If your child’s brachial plexus injury was caused by medical malpractice or negligence by a medical professional, you have a right to compensation. Contact me today. From start to finish, I will remain dedicated to fighting for the results that your family deserves. I’ll Make Them Pay!®
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