
Tampa Brachial Plexus Birth Injury Malpractice Attorneys: Seeking Justice for Your Family
If your child suffered a brachial plexus injury during birth due to medical negligence, the Tampa brachial plexus birth injury malpractice attorneys at Paul | Knopf | Bigger are here to help you pursue justice and compensation. Contact us at (800) 434-4327 to discuss your case.
What Is a Brachial Plexus Injury?
The brachial plexus is a vital network of nerves located in the shoulder, controlling movement and sensation in the arms and hands. During childbirth, these nerves can suffer damage due to stretching or tearing. This injury can result in limited mobility or sensation in the newborn’s arm, and in severe cases, the hand may also be affected. Such injuries can have long-lasting effects on the child’s quality of life.
For immediate assistance or concerns, call us at (800) 434-4327.
Causes of Brachial Plexus Injuries in Newborns
Brachial plexus injuries affect roughly 3 out of every 1,000 births. One leading cause is shoulder dystocia, a condition where the baby’s shoulder becomes trapped behind the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery. This condition puts undue stress on the brachial plexus nerves, causing injury.
In many instances, brachial plexus injuries occur due to medical negligence. Healthcare providers may fail to diagnose shoulder dystocia in time or take appropriate precautions to prevent the injury. If proper care had been provided, many of these injuries could have been avoided. A consultation with a brachial plexus attorney can help determine if you have a valid case for medical malpractice.
Common Complications of a Brachial Plexus Injury
When shoulder dystocia is managed properly, the risk of injury decreases. However, if the situation is mishandled, both the mother and baby can suffer significant complications.
Complications for the Baby
The severity of the damage to the brachial plexus affects the types of complications a baby may face. Some injuries may resolve on their own within a short period, while others can lead to lifelong impairments. Common issues include:
- Weakness in the arm
- Loss of muscle control
- Partial or total loss of sensation
- Paralysis of the arm, wrist, or hand
Complications for the Mother
Mothers may also experience injuries during a difficult birth, particularly when forceps or a vacuum extractor is used. Potential complications for mothers include:
- Vaginal tears or lacerations
- Excessive postpartum bleeding
- Bladder or urethral injuries
- Difficulty with urination or defecation
- Perineal pain
- Uterine rupture
- Emotional distress
Some of these injuries may heal quickly, while others may result in long-term physical or psychological effects.
Risk Factors for Brachial Plexus Injuries
Several risk factors increase the likelihood of a brachial plexus injury during delivery. Healthcare professionals must recognize these risks and take appropriate actions to prevent injury. Common risk factors include:
- Breech presentation
- Larger-than-average baby
- Maternal obesity
- Prolonged or difficult labor
- Overdue pregnancy
- Multiple births (twins, triplets, etc.)
- Prior brachial plexus injury in a previous birth
- Use of forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery
Preventing Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries
Healthcare providers play a critical role in preventing brachial plexus injuries. When risk factors are present, it is essential that parents are informed of the potential complications, and preparations for a challenging delivery are made. In some cases, a cesarean section may be recommended to avoid the risks associated with a vaginal birth.
Quick and decisive action is critical when a baby’s shoulder becomes stuck during delivery. Delays can cause further complications, such as reduced blood flow due to pressure on the umbilical cord. Proper management of these situations can prevent injury and safeguard the baby’s health.
Treatment Options for Brachial Plexus Injuries
The treatment plan for a brachial plexus injury depends on the severity of the nerve damage. Some cases may resolve on their own, while others require long-term medical intervention. Common treatment options include:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Surgical nerve grafts or transfers
- Surgical muscle or tendon transfers
- Bone surgery on the shoulder (osteotomy)
- Open reduction of the shoulder (capsulorrhaphy)
Severe cases may result in permanent damage, leading to lifelong paralysis and loss of sensation in the arm. These conditions can significantly impact a child’s mobility and quality of life.
When Is a Brachial Plexus Injury Considered Medical Malpractice?
A brachial plexus injury may qualify as medical malpractice if the healthcare provider fails to deliver the accepted standard of care during childbirth. Instances of medical negligence may include:
- Failure to recognize and manage risk factors
- Failure to diagnose a large baby or shoulder dystocia
- Inappropriate actions during labor and delivery
- Failure to perform a timely cesarean section
Not every brachial plexus injury is the result of medical malpractice. However, a consultation with a Tampa brachial plexus birth injury malpractice attorney is crucial to assess whether your case meets the criteria for a medical malpractice claim.
Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim in Tampa for a Brachial Plexus Injury
To successfully file a medical malpractice claim, you must demonstrate four key elements:
- Duty: The healthcare provider had a responsibility to provide an acceptable standard of care.
- Breach: The provider breached that duty through negligence or improper actions.
- Cause: The breach directly caused harm to the child.
- Damages: The child suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result.
Our Tampa brachial plexus birth injury malpractice attorneys can guide you through the legal process and help determine if you have a valid claim.
Compensation for Victims of Brachial Plexus Injuries
If your baby was injured due to medical negligence, Florida law may entitle you to compensation for the following:
- Medical and surgical expenses (past, present, and future)
- Costs of physical and occupational therapy
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Lost wages due to time spent caring for the child
- Other damages permitted by Florida law
Contact Paul | Knopf | Bigger – Tampa Brachial Plexus Birth Injury Attorneys
At Paul | Knopf | Bigger, we are dedicated to helping families affected by medical malpractice. Our team of Tampa brachial plexus birth injury attorneys has a proven track record of securing multi-million-dollar settlements for clients in similar cases.
If you believe your child’s injury was the result of medical negligence, contact us today for a free consultation. We will thoroughly review your case, provide expert legal guidance, and fight for the compensation you and your family deserve. Reach us at (800) 434-4327.
Sources:
- Boston Children’s Hospital. (2005 – 2021). Brachial Plexus birth injury.
https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions-and-treatments/conditions/b/brachial-plexus-injury - Kids Health from Nemours. (2018, June). Newborn Brachial Plexus injuries
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/brachial-plexus.html - Mount Sinai. Brachial Plexus injuries in newborns https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/brachial-plexus-injury-in-newborns