Welcoming a new baby should be joyful and exciting, but complications during delivery can bring unexpected challenges. A brachial plexus birth injury can affect a child’s ability to move their arm, sometimes leading to long-term difficulties that no parent should ever have to face.

If your child has been diagnosed with brachial plexus damage, you may be feeling overwhelmed, searching for answers about what went wrong and what comes next.

Learn what to expect after a brachial plexus injury and the care your child may need. If medical negligence played a role, our Michigan birth injury lawyers at Fieger Law can help you pursue accountability and the compensation necessary for your child’s future.

What Is the Brachial Plexus?

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that runs from the neck through the shoulders and into the arms. These nerves control movement and sensation in the upper limbs. When the brachial plexus is damaged during birth, it can result in weakness, paralysis, or loss of function in the affected arm.

Around 60% of babies recover within two months, but more severe cases may require surgery to improve function and mobility.

If your child has suffered a brachial plexus birth injury, consult Fieger Law to assess your case. Our team can connect you with a specialist to evaluate the damage and explore treatment options.

Common Causes of Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries

Brachial plexus injuries typically occur during difficult deliveries, especially when a provider uses improper maneuvers or acts negligently. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Shoulder Dystocia: This occurs when a baby’s shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother’s pelvic bone, requiring maneuvers that may strain the brachial plexus.
  • Excessive Pulling or Stretching: If a doctor pulls too forcefully on the baby’s head or arm during delivery, it can stretch or tear the nerves.
  • Improper Use of Forceps or Vacuum Extraction: When misused, these tools can put excessive pressure on the baby’s neck and shoulders, increasing the risk of nerve damage.
  • Large Birth Weight: Babies who weigh more than 9 lbs. 11 oz. have a higher risk of experiencing birth trauma, including brachial plexus injuries.

If your doctor used excessive force or improper delivery techniques, legal options may be available. Our qualified birth injury lawyers at Fieger Law can evaluate your case and help you pursue justice.

Symptoms and Long-Term Effects

Brachial plexus injuries can present a variety of symptoms, depending on the severity of nerve damage. Recognizing the signs of a brachial plexus injury early can make a difference in your child’s recovery. Common symptoms include:

  • Weakness or limpness in one arm
  • Lack of movement in the shoulder, arm, or hand
  • Decreased grip strength on the affected side
  • Abnormal positioning of the arm
  • Muscle atrophy or lack of development in the affected limb

In severe cases, these injuries can lead to permanent nerve damage, requiring extensive medical intervention and lifelong adjustments. Some children may experience developmental delays or require specialized therapies to regain mobility.

Understanding the full impact of a brachial plexus injury is essential to securing the compensation your child needs. Let Fieger Law assess long-term needs and fight for a settlement that supports your child’s future.

Treatment Options for Brachial Plexus Injuries

The prognosis for a child with a brachial plexus birth injury depends largely on the severity of the damage and how soon treatment begins. Treatment options may include:

  • Physical Therapy: Regular exercises can help strengthen muscles and improve the range of motion.
  • Surgery: In severe cases, nerve grafts or transfers may be necessary to repair damaged nerves.
  • Occupational Therapy: This can help children adapt and develop motor skills to compensate for nerve damage.

Struggling with the costs of ongoing treatments for your baby’s injury? Speak with our compassionate brachial plexus injury lawyers at Fieger Law. We can fight for a fair settlement that covers all necessary care related to your child’s injury.

Legal Options for Families Affected by Brachial Plexus Injuries

No parent should have to worry about affording the care their child needs. If your baby’s injury was preventable, you have the right to seek justice and financial security for their future.

If a preventable medical error caused your child’s injury, a birth injury claim can cover essential treatments and future care. Our legal team at Fieger Law can assess your case and fight for the maximum compensation available.

  • Surgical procedures and specialized treatments
  • Physical and occupational therapy for mobility and strength
  • Adaptive equipment such as braces or splints
  • Home modifications and long-term care needs
  • Pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life

Holding negligent medical providers accountable can provide financial relief and help prevent similar mistakes in the future.

Protect Your Child’s Future With Fieger Law

Brachial plexus birth injuries can have lasting consequences for both children and their families. At Fieger Law, we understand the uphill battle parents face against hospitals and insurers that prioritize their interests over your child’s well-being.

With our experience and a powerful network of experts, we fight relentlessly to secure the maximum compensation your child deserves for medical care, therapy, and long-term support. Our results speak for themselves, including a record-breaking $144.5 million birth injury verdict in Michigan, one of the largest in U.S. history.

Your child’s future is too important to leave to chance. Contact our team today for a free consultation from anywhere in the U.S., and let us help you secure your child’s future.