Seeking Compensation for Brachial Plexus Injuries

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Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers weigh in on brachial plexus injuries claims. Brachial plexus injuries can be caused by several scenarios, including car accidents, falls, or contact sports. Birth injuries are a common cause of brachial plexus injuries. However, brachial plexus injuries that occur during childbirth may involve negligence if the physician was in some way responsible for the injury. If your child suffered a brachial plexus injury, this can have a devastating impact on the child’s quality of life. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer will protect your rights and seek the maximum financial compensation you deserve.

The brachial plexus nerve network starts at the spinal cord in the neck and extends to the armpit. The nerves continue down the arm, extending out to the hands and fingers. A brachial plexus injury occurs when these nerves are stretched, torn, or ruptured. The most severe type of brachial plexus injury is called an avulsion, which occurs when the nerve root is torn from the spinal cord. During the childbirth process, a brachial plexus injury can occur if the baby’s neck is stretched to one side. This can occur if the mother has a particularly strong labor, if the baby is in the breech position, or if the baby’s shoulders are too wide to fit through the birth canal.

Common Symptoms of a Brachial Plexus Injury

The following are common symptoms of brachial plexus injuries in newborns:

  • Full or partial lack of movement
  • Numbness
  • Weakened grip
  • Unusual bend in the arm or the arm hangs lim

In some cases, these injuries may be treated with physical therapy or special massage techniques. However, more severe cases will likely require surgery, including nerve grafts, muscle transfers, or tendon transfers. Early treatment will offer the best chance of a full recovery. These procedures can be very costly. If the health care provider was negligent in any way, you are urged to file a medical malpractice lawsuit.

The average settlement in brachial plexus birth injuries can be over $2 million, but this can vary, depending on the details of the case and the severity of the injury. For example, in one case, a baby suffered a shoulder dystocia and permanent right brachial plexus paralysis after the infant’s shoulder became stuck and doctors were unable to safely deliver the baby. The parents settled for $450,000. In another case, physicians applied excessive traction to the baby’s head after they encountered shoulder dystocia during the delivery. The traction resulted in a brachial plexus injury and a rupture of two discs in her back. As a result, she has permanent loss of function in her right arm. A jury awarded the plaintiff $4,821,000.

Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Seek Maximum Compensation for Victims of Brachial Plexus Injuries

If your child suffered a brachial plexus injury during childbirth, you are urged to contact the Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. We will determine who is responsible for the injury and secure the maximum financial compensation you and your family deserve. We will not stop fighting for you until justice has been served. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent medical malpractice victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.