Brachial Plexus Palsy, Erb's Palsy and Klumpke's Paralysis

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that transmit signals from the brain to the arms, including the transmission of nerve impulses regulating or relating to movement and sensation. Injury to the brachial plexus nerve commonly occurs during a complicated or traumatic childbirth, such as a shoulder dystocia. A brachial plexus injury can be the result of medical malpractice.

Damage to the brachial plexus can lead to, among other things:

• stunted growth in the affected arm;
• loss of use of the affected arm;
• loss of sensation in the affected arm;
• loss of strength in the affected arm;
• inability to regulate temperature in the affected arm;
• inability to lift the affected arm above shoulder height; and
• delayed skin healing in affected arm, leading to infections.

Fortunately, some infants recover from a brachial plexus injury on their own. However, surgery may be required. The three most common surgical treatment options are:

• nerve transplant;
• subscapularis release; and
• latissimus dorsi tendon transfer.

The trial lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have decades of experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict medical malpractice and birth injury cases involving a shoulder dystocia, brachial plexus palsy, Erb's palsy, and Klumpke's paralysis.  If your baby's condition or injury is due to medical malpractice, your child and family may be entitled to compensation for lifelong health care, medical expenses, special education, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. 

To discuss your case or concerns with an experienced Central New York medical malpractice and birth injury attorney, contact us now at (315) 422-3466, (800) 336-LAWS, or by e-mail at info@bottarleone.com.