Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries & Medical Malpractice
A brachial plexus injury is a birth injury affecting the brachial plexus nerves (complex nerves that control the muscles of the fingers, hands, arms and shoulders). Brachial plexus palsy is a name used to describe this type of birth injury. Injuries to the brachial plexus most-frequently occur during the delivery of a newborn due to medical malpractice or a difficult delivery.
Cerebral palsy, on the other hand, is a permanent brain injury that limits the motor skills, balance, and (in some cases) learning abilities of a person, but can also causes joint stiffness and other related problems.
Treatment for Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries
The treatment procedure for a brachial plexus injury generally depends on the level of injury and the age of the patient. Brachial plexus palsy is usually treated with primary surgery, secondary surgery and physical therapy. The primary surgery is done to repair the damaged nerves five to 12 months after the injury. Secondary surgery is done after a specific period to transfer the muscles and tendons for improving functionality. Physical therapy or occupational therapy is given to improve motion.
Treatment for brachial plexus injuries can be very expensive, but with the help of a good attorney, these costs could be recovered through a birth injury lawsuit. Your attorney will have to prove “beyond a preponderance of the evidence” who was responsible, and that the injury was caused by medical malpractice. Be sure to find an attorney who is willing to take your case on contingency (no fees unless you win) and who will perform an exhaustive investigation to determine exactly what led to your child’s injuries.
To discuss the facts of your case (for free) with a birth injury lawyer today, call 1-855-833-3707.