Brachial plexus injury refers to any damage to the brachial plexus, or the bundle of nerves running from the neck to the shoulder. The brachial plexus is responsible for supplying the muscles in the upper extremities with the nervous energy that they need, also known as innervation. When the brachial plexus is damaged, innervation might be compromised.

Individuals who suffer from compromised innervation could find that they suffer from one or more of these complications:

• Decreased stamina and strength
• Compromised body movement
• Uneven growth (i.e., the arm with an injured brachial plexus could be smaller and shorter than the other one)
• Impaired bone growth

Some cases of severe and life-long brachial plexus injury have been a result of either negligent medical care or incompetent medical staff during a child’s birth. If you think your child’s brachial plexus injury is a result of another party’s recklessness in the delivery room, learn about the possibility of obtaining financial compensation through a lawsuit. Consult with our team at the Driscoll Firm by calling (800) 900-7704 today.

Brachial plexus palsy occurs in newborn infants when a complication arises during delivery, causing nerve injuries and hindering the function of an arm or shoulder. In some cases, the nerve damage heals on its own or can be healed with surgery. However, when the damage is more severe, the child may never regain full function of his or her arm.

In general, there are four different types of nerve injuries that can contribute to brachial plexus palsy. An infant may sustain more than one of these during delivery.

• Neurapraxia: The nerve is stretched but does not tear. The damage will usually heal without medical treatment within three months.
• Neuroma: The nerve fibers are damaged resulting in the formation of scar tissue. This scar tissue may put pressure on the remaining healthy nerve fibers.
• Rupture: The nerve is not just stretched but is actually torn. The nerve will not heal on its own, but may be repairable with surgery.
• Avulsion: The nerve is torn away from the spinal cord. This is the most severe form of nerve damage and is generally irreparable, even with surgery. In certain cases, limited function of the arm may be restored by using a nerve from another muscle.

These injuries are more common during difficult deliveries, or when a complication arises and the practitioner must deliver the baby quickly. Although the damage is never caused intentionally, a mistake or negligence on the part of the medical professional may result in life-changing consequences for the child. The lawyers at the Driscoll Firm, are here to answer your questions and help you understand your options for pursuing financial compensation for your child’s injuries. Contact our offices at (800) 900-7704 today.

Brachial plexus refers to a network of nerves running from the spine to the shoulders. It is responsible in delivering electric signals from the brain to the arms and shoulders, making it possible for the entire upper limb to feel sensation and to move. When these nerves are compressed, stretched, or torn, oftentimes from a physical trauma, a brachial plexus injury may occur.

Brachial plexus injury can happen at birth. Newborns who have been forcefully removed from the birth canal during labor are at risk of this kind of injury. Furthermore, a medical practitioner’s failure to perform C-section when needed may cause prolonged labor where the baby is in a compressed position for a significant amount of time, which can also cause brachial plexus injuries. This can result in severe pain, numbness, or limited use of the hand and arm.

If you believe your child’s brachial plexus injury has been a result of medical malpractice, our team of experienced lawyers at the Driscoll Firm might be able to help you file a lawsuit against the negligent parties involved. Call us at (800) 900-7704 today.