Saturday, Oct. 25, closed out a 7-day awareness week targeting brachial plexus injuries. During the awareness week, groups like the United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc. shared information about this type of injury in the hopes that it would help raise funds, share research and prompt change.
A brachial plexus injury is a term that describes injury to a network of nerves located in the upper body, including the neck and arms. The damage can be caused by such things as blunt trauma, stretching or tearing of the nerves. It can cause anything from pain to complete paralysis of the muscles in the affected area.
According to the UBPN, approximately two to three injuries occur per 1,000 births. The worst part of that statistic is that many of those injuries could be prevented with proper delivery techniques.
The use of “tools” such as forceps and devices that suction to an infant to aid in labor can actually increase the risk of this type of injury.
When medical negligence leads to injury, parents can seek damages to help cover the costs of current and future medical care as well as pain and suffering. We can help.
Did you know that medical malpractice is not the only type of negligence that could lead to a brachial plexus injury nor is it isolated to infants? According to the UBPN, car accidents, contact sports or animal bites.
Visit our medical malpractice page if you believe that your child has suffered a birth injury such as a brachial plexus injury. We can help determine if negligence was a factor and whether you may have a claim for damages.