Few new parents ever expect their child to suffer a birth injury. Unfortunately, they are more common than you think: according to Johns Hopkins, brachial plexus injuries occur at a rate of one to two births per 1,000 live births.
Depending on when the brachial plexus injury is caught and diagnosed, some children regain most or all of their normal function with the help of physical and occupational therapy. Others may require surgical intervention. Because these birth injuries can require significant medical expenses, calling the Law Offices of Tim Misny can help. You may be able to recover compensation for your losses.
Understanding brachial plexus injuries
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves, including those in the spinal cord, arms and hands. These nerves can be stretched, compressed, torn or ripped away from the spinal cord during birth.
Large babies delivered vaginally, babies in a breech position and babies who are born during long labors are at an increased risk of brachial plexus injuries, as are babies with diabetic mothers. Furthermore, infants with shoulder dystocia (where the infant’s shoulder is stuck under the pubis during delivery) can experience brachial plexus injuries.
These typically result in two conditions: Erb’s palsy, which results in a lack of motion and numbness around the shoulder, and Klumpke’s palsy, which results in loss of motion and/or sensation in the wrist or hand.
While severity can vary, children with brachial plexus injuries almost always require some sort of medical intervention.
What to do when your child suffers a birth injury
If your child has suffered a birth injury, including brachial plexus injuries, it’s important to call the Law Offices of Tim Misny right away. First, if you have a case, you must file before the medical malpractice statute of limitations expires.
Second, working with an experienced birth injury attorney can help you recover compensation for your child’s injuries. Medical care can be expensive, even with good health insurance—and some birth injuries result in lifelong disabilities or injuries. If negligent healthcare providers were to blame, they may be liable for medical expenses, lost income while you care for your child, occupational and physical therapy costs, pain and suffering and more.
Discuss your case with an Ohio birth injury lawyer
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your birth injury case. When you’re the victim of negligence or recklessness, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (877) 614-9524 so that I can evaluate your case right away.