Nerve Injuries to the Arm and Hand (Brachial Plexus Palsy)
Nerve Injuries to the Arm and Hand (Brachial Plexus Palsy)
Brachial plexus palsy is a condition in which the brachial plexus (network of nerves related to the arms and hands, near the shoulder) is injured. This injury can occur when there is a difficulty during delivery. This type of birth delivery complication is referred to as shoulder dystocia. A possible consequence of this type of delivery complication can be the baby's inability to rotate and flex the arm. If swelling or bruising occurs around the nerves, movement of the arm or hand usually returns within a few months. Should the nerve be torn, permanent nerve damage may result.
Here is a diagram of how shoulder dystocia can lead to permanent nerve injury:
In the event of shoulder dystocia, there are various ways to free the baby's shoulder from underneath the mother's pelvic bone without causing injury to the brachial plexus.
Risk factors for Brachial Plexus include gestational diabetes, obesity in the mother, excessive weight gain during pregnancy, macrosomia (a baby weighing more than 4000 grams or approximately 9 lbs.), a previous large baby, a post-term pregnancy, or a small pelvis.
If your child has brachial plexus palsy that interferes significantly with his or her ability to use the arm or hand, a legal consultation with an attorney could be appropriate. The attorney will review the childbirth records to determine what was done exactly to deliver the child and whether any inappropriate maneuvers were done. If you have video of the birth, that could provide significant evidence of what happened.
Read an anatomical overview and see an example of shoulder dystocia.
Legal Consultation
If a family member has suffered a permanent injury related to the childbirth process, we encourage you to contact us. We provide free consultations to help determine if you have a valid medical negligence or medical malpractice case that should be pursued. If you have already consulted with another lawyer or are in the process of doing so, we can offer information about how to evaluate whether you have obtained the right lawyer for your case.
Click here to obtain our free report: "Eleven questions to ask before hiring a lawyer for your injury lawsuit."
Brachial plexus palsy is a condition in which the brachial plexus (network of nerves related to the arms and hands, near the shoulder) is injured. This injury can occur when there is a difficulty during delivery. This type of birth delivery complication is referred to as shoulder dystocia. A possible consequence of this type of delivery complication can be the baby's inability to rotate and flex the arm. If swelling or bruising occurs around the nerves, movement of the arm or hand usually returns within a few months. Should the nerve be torn, permanent nerve damage may result.
Here is a diagram of how shoulder dystocia can lead to permanent nerve injury:
In the event of shoulder dystocia, there are various ways to free the baby's shoulder from underneath the mother's pelvic bone without causing injury to the brachial plexus.
Risk factors for Brachial Plexus include gestational diabetes, obesity in the mother, excessive weight gain during pregnancy, macrosomia (a baby weighing more than 4000 grams or approximately 9 lbs.), a previous large baby, a post-term pregnancy, or a small pelvis.
If your child has brachial plexus palsy that interferes significantly with his or her ability to use the arm or hand, a legal consultation with an attorney could be appropriate. The attorney will review the childbirth records to determine what was done exactly to deliver the child and whether any inappropriate maneuvers were done. If you have video of the birth, that could provide significant evidence of what happened.
Read an anatomical overview and see an example of shoulder dystocia.
Legal Consultation
If a family member has suffered a permanent injury related to the childbirth process, we encourage you to contact us. We provide free consultations to help determine if you have a valid medical negligence or medical malpractice case that should be pursued. If you have already consulted with another lawyer or are in the process of doing so, we can offer information about how to evaluate whether you have obtained the right lawyer for your case.
Click here to obtain our free report: "Eleven questions to ask before hiring a lawyer for your injury lawsuit."
