Brachial Plexus Injury Lawyer Miami, FL

Has your child been born with a brachial plexus injury? Do you believe the injury happened because of carelessness on part of the doctor or medical staff? If so, please call a brachial plexus injury lawyer Miami, FL trusts today. Call Needle & Ellenberg, P.A.

The brachial plexus is a group of nerves that sends signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm, wrist, and hand. When these nerves become stretched or ruptured, the person could lose complete feeling in their arm. In a worst case scenario, they could be permanently paralyzed. 

Like other birth injuries, learning that your newborn baby has Erb’s Palsy can cause a great deal of concern. Your baby may be physically stressed, and you may be facing enormous amounts of emotions, as well as, financial struggles. These struggles can be inherent in medications, surgeries, treatment, and other necessary medical care. When combined, the family unit may be in a turmoil; thus, hindering the ability to heal and move forward in life. This is a tough time; however, you don’t have to navigate it on your own. If you believe a medical error caused your baby to develop Erb’s Palsy, please call a brachial plexus injury lawyer in Miami from Needle & Ellenberg, P.A.

Table Of Contents:

Why Can a Newborn Suffer a Brachial Plexus Injury?

The majority of infant brachial plexus injuries are a result of the baby’s neck or head being overly stretched during the birthing process. As a birth injury lawyer Miami, FL families trust, we know of cases that involved this injury because of the following actions:

Excessive Pressure Was Placed on the Baby’s Head – It is possible for the baby’s shoulder to become lodged up against the mother’s public bone. When this happens, the doctor might put extreme pressure onto the baby’s shoulders or head. Often, this does result in nerve damage to the brachial plexus. 

Breech Birth – When the baby is born with their feet first instead of the head, it is considered to be a breech birth. Extra pressure is often placed onto the baby’s neck, shoulders, and head. In general, a doctor should identify a breech position before the mother goes into labor. This can prevent a number of injuries, including a brachial plexus injury. 

Improper Use of Forceps – Some mothers might struggle to deliver the baby without help from forceps. These can be very useful, but if improperly used, the baby’s neck and shoulders can become strained. 

Improper Use of Vacuums – A doctor might choose to use a vacuum to deliver the child safely. This equipment can be difficult to use which is why any staff using it must be properly trained. As a brachial plexus injury lawyer in Miami, FL might tell you, birthing vacuums are known to cause nerve damage to infants. 

Can a Brachial Plexus Injury Be Treated?

It is possible to treat a brachial plexus injury. How the baby is treated will depend on the severity of the injury. For minor injuries, rest and time will typically heal it. If the nerve was torn away from the tissue, surgery and rehabilitation may be required. Even then, the risk of permanent damage is significant. 

The Cause of Erb’s Palsy

Erb’s Palsy is also known as brachial plexus palsy, or shoulder dystocia. The medical condition is an injury that is caused by separating, moving, damaging, or severing the brachial plexus nerves that connect the arm and shoulder. When a medical doctor, nurse, or other practitioner pulls, tugs, or yanks too hard on the baby’s arm, the nerves can become damaged. Another way Erb’s Palsy can occur is when a doctor fails to diagnose potential risks and complications pre-delivery. For example, the baby’s shoulder can be put in an abnormally stressful situation when it becomes caught on the mother’s pubic bone, when the baby is in a breech position, or when the baby is too big for the mother’s birth canal. These things should be diagnosed before birth; thereby, allowing for a cesarean surgery. 

Can Erb’s Palsy Be Prevented?

As a brachial plexus injury lawyer in Miami might explain to you, the position of a baby in the womb cannot be controlled. However, it is possible to view the position, via ultrasound, and allow the doctor to make a decision on whether a c-section should be performed. Likewise, if the shoulder is caught around the pubic bone, the doctor can reposition the mother; thereby, allowing the baby to move around it. 

It is the duty of a medical doctor to deliver the baby as safely, and as quickly as possible. When preventative measures are not in place, and Erb’s Palsy occurs, you may be able to recover compensation with the help of a brachial plexus injury lawyer in Miami. 

Can A Settlement Help A Baby Born with Erb’s Palsy?

When Erb’s Palsy is diagnosed early on, therapy can begin immediately so as to encourage the baby to heal. If this is done, it may be possible for the child to continue through their early developmental stages with little to no long term effects. Therapy can be costly, and for parents who are unable to afford it, they might feel rushed into starting it. This is one way that a settlement may be able to help. A brachial plexus injury lawyer in Miami can help to take the weight off your shoulders by preparing all, or a majority, of the claim. If your baby needs medical treatment before the claim is settled, a medical lien may be organized for you. The most important thing to consider is the wellbeing of  your baby. If he or she has been diagnosed with Erb’s Palsy, please do not wait to begin therapy. Call a birth injury lawyer in Fort Lauderdale, FL or Miami, FL for help and advice.

Contacting a Miami, Florida Brachial Plexus Injury Lawyer

If your child suffered an unfortunate brachial plexus injury at the time of their birth, there is a good chance malpractice is a factor. Compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation, future treatment, pain, suffering, and more could be available. For years Needle & Ellenberg, P.A., has been helping families and injured newborns find healing through medical malpractice claims. Learn your legal rights and options. Call a brachial plexus injury lawyer in Miami, FL to explore your legal case today.