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How Can Brachial Plexus Injuries Affect Your Child?

Oct. 10, 2019

In Michigan, doctors have a responsibility to deliver children as safely and efficiently as possible. Unfortunately, newborn children can be injured during the birthing or delivery process. For example, Erb’s palsy and other brachial plexus injuries can be the result of a doctor rushing or displaying negligence.

Mayo Clinic examines brachial plexus injuries sustained by infants during birth. Particularly, they discuss the risk of a brachial plexus palsy, known as Erb’s palsy. This is a condition that may happen if an infant gets their shoulders stuck in the birth canal. In an attempt to get the baby out, too much strain may be placed on the brachial plexus nerves, causing them to be injured.

Erb’s palsy can be mild, moderate or severe. Some children are able to recover from it completely. Others may end up dealing with its effects throughout their lifetime. Some symptoms may include muscular weakness in the shoulder, hand or arm, or a complete lack of feeling or ability to move the affected area. Some victims may experience extreme pain, while others suffer from numbness.

Quick action may allow you to help your child. For example, getting them into physical therapy and doing as much as possible to alleviate swelling, pain, and tension in the injured area. However, these treatments can be costly.

If your child suffers from Erb’s palsy and you believe it could have been avoided had the medical staff acted differently, consider talking to a medical malpractice attorney. They can help you determine what you can do to seek compensation.