The brachial plexus is a group of nerves that send signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Each year in the United States, brachial plexus injuries are suffered in approximately 1.5 out of every 1,000 childbirths. A brachial plexus injury can be devastating, resulting in paralysis or loss of sensation in these body parts.
- How Do Brachial Plexus Injuries Occur?
- What Should Be Done About Shoulder Dystocia?
- Complications Of Brachial Plexus Injuries
- Brachial Plexus Injury Caused by Delivery Team Negligence
- Proving Medical Malpractice After Brachial Plexus Injury
- Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Brachial Plexus Injury Lawsuits
- Get Help Today
How Do Brachial Plexus Injuries Occur?
Brachial plexus injuries are most often caused by shoulder dystocia, which is a condition that can occur during childbirth when the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone. This can happen when the baby is large or if the birth canal is small.
In some cases, shoulder dystocia can be anticipated and avoided. For example, if a woman has had a previous baby with shoulder dystocia, her obstetrician may be able to take steps to prevent it from happening again. Other risk factors for shoulder dystocia include diabetes, obesity, and a large baby.
What Should Be Done About Shoulder Dystocia?
When shoulder dystocia does occur, the delivery team needs to act quickly and correctly to avoid a brachial plexus injury. The first step is to try to manually release the baby’s shoulder from behind the pubic bone.
If this does not work, the next step is to perform a maneuver known as the McRoberts maneuver or the Woods corkscrew maneuver. These maneuvers are designed to change the position of the mother’s pelvis and allow the baby’s shoulder to be freed.
If these maneuvers do not work, the next step is to deliver the baby by performing an emergency cesarean section.
What Are The Complications Of Brachial Plexus Injuries?
Brachial plexus injuries can result in several different complications, including:
- Paralysis
- Loss of sensation in the arm
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of range of motion
- Pain
- Nerve damage
In some cases, brachial plexus injuries can resolve on their own. However, in other cases, the injury may be permanent. Treatment for a brachial plexus injury may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and surgery.
Shoulder Dystocia Brachial Plexus Injury Caused by Negligence by Delivery Team
Shoulder dystocia and resulting brachial plexus injuries are often caused by negligence on the part of the delivery team. For example, if the delivery team does not anticipate or recognize shoulder dystocia and take steps to resolve it quickly enough, the baby may suffer a brachial plexus injury.
If your child has suffered a brachial plexus injury, you may be entitled to compensation through a medical malpractice claim.
Injury Victim
Proving Medical Malpractice After Shoulder Dystocia Brachial Plexus Injury in Fort Lauderdale
Medical malpractice is when a doctor or other medical professional does something wrong and causes harm to a patient. To have a successful medical malpractice claim, you must be able to show that the delivery team’s actions were negligent and that this negligence caused your child’s injury.
You will need to have an expert witness who can testify that the delivery team’s actions were below the standard of care and that this resulted in your child’s injury.
You will also need to show that your child has suffered damages as a result of the injury. These damages can include medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Brachial Plexus Injury Lawsuits
What is the statute of limitations for a brachial plexus injury lawsuit?
The statute of limitations is the deadline for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims in most states, including Florida, is two years.
How much does it cost to hire a Fort Lauderdale medical malpractice lawyer?
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means they do not charge a fee unless they win your case. The contingency fee is usually a percentage of the settlement or verdict.
Lisa Levine, P.A. offers a free consultation to discuss your case and our fees.
How long do medical malpractice cases take?
Every case is different, but most medical malpractice cases take at least a year to resolve. Some cases may settle in less than that, or take longer if the case goes to trial or if there are appeals.
What is the average settlement in Florida brachial plexus injury lawsuits?
There is no standard settlement or verdict in a Florida brachial plexus injury lawsuit. Every case is different and the amount of damages will depend on the facts of your case. Some factors that may affect the amount of damages include the severity of the injury, the age of the child, and whether the injury is permanent.
Get Help from a Fort Lauderdale Brachial Plexus Lawyer Today
If your child has suffered a brachial plexus injury, you may be entitled to compensation through a medical malpractice claim. We know financial compensation doesn’t take away the pain and suffering your child has endured, but it can help you pay for their medical care and other expenses.
Fort Lauderdale delivery negligence lawyer Lisa Levine can help you investigate your claim and build a strong case to get the compensation you and your child deserve. Call (954) 256-1820 today to schedule a free consultation.
