This video from the United Brachial Plexus Network (UBPN) highlights some of the mistakes made during childbirth that can cause a brachial plexus injury (BPI). The Mayo Clinic defines the brachial plexus as “the network of nerves that sends signals from your spine to your shoulder, arm and hand.” The injuries occur when the nerves are stretched or torn, possibly from the tugging on the infant’s head or neck discussed in the video.
According to UBPN, BPIs often occur during the birthing process and are sustained more often than Down Syndrome or Muscular Dystrophy. UBPN estimates that BPIs occur in 2-5 out of every 1000 births, and can result in full to partial paralysis of one or both arms. Furthermore, UBPN notes that many brachial plexus injury victims and their families “face ongoing struggles with insurance companies to obtain coverage for treatment related to their disability” because most insurance companies are “unaware or do not understand the treatment protocol for brachial plexus injuries.”
One type of BPI referring to damage in the lower plexus is called Klumpke’s palsy. Children with Klumpke’s palsy do not have full range of movement in their hands and wrists. Another BPI that is commonly associated with forceps delivery or difficult childbirth is Erb’s palsy, which represents the paralysis of a group of muscles of the shoulder and upper arm.
If your child suffered a BPI during delivery, you should contact an Orlando personal injury attorney to see if you can pursue compensation for a birth injury that was the result of medical malpractice.
Wooten, Kimbrough & Normand, P.A. – Orlando personal injury lawyers
Comments for this article are closed.