Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers detail some of the most common causes of brachial plexus injuries in infants. A brachial plexus injury happens when the bundle of nerves located in the shoulder, arm, and hand that attach to the spinal cord is stretched or torn. In infants, brachial plexus injury can result during birth when the baby’s head and neck pull toward the side as the shoulders pass through the birth canal. Additional pressure on an infant’s raised arm during a breech delivery or a doctor pulling on the child’s shoulders during delivery can also result in brachial plexus injuries.
In addition to babies who are born breech (feet-first), brachial plexus injuries are most common in the delivery of large babies or those with shoulder dystocia.
Medical Malpractice Lawyers Discuss Treating a Baby Born with a Brachial Plexus Injury
Prompt treatment of an infant who has suffered a birth injury, such as brachial plexus, is extremely important. Major brachial plexus injury can mean that the nerve has been either torn or ruptured. In very severe case of brachial plexus injury, called avulsion, the nerve root is torn from the spinal cord.
Treatment of brachial plexus injuries differ depending on the severity of the injury. When there is a minor injury, the child should fully recover within 3 to 6 months. However, children with more severe injuries many require additional care. Surgery to repair the nerves, nerve grafts or a nerve transfer may be done to treat the child. For some newborns, brachial plexus injuries cannot be treated and will cause complications. Babies with very severe injuries may experience permanent abnormal muscle contractions or tightening of the muscles. Permanent, partial, or total arm weakness and/or loss of function of the affected nerves can also occur, leading to paralysis of the arm.
Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Philadelphia and New Jersey
The Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling medical malpractice cases resulting in birth injuries. Our extremely skilled team of medical malpractice lawyers and medical experts is dedicated to ensuring you receive proper compensation for your personal injuries. If you child has suffered from or a loved one has suffered a birth injury such as brachial plexus or any other type of birth injury, contact the medical malpractice lawyers of Messa & Associates for a free consultation. Call toll free at 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry.
