North Carolina Brachial Plexus Injury Lawyers

Understanding Brachial Plexus Injuries & Their Effects

The brachial plexus is a bundle of nerves located near the neck. It is responsible for sending signals to the arm, shoulder, and hand, allowing an individual to move and feel sensation in these areas. Brachial plexus injuries occur when these nerves are damaged, usually as a result of stretching or tearing. A brachial plexus injury typically results in difficulties using the affected shoulder, arm, and/or hand.

While brachial plexus injuries often result from car and motorcycle accidents, they are also, sadly, one of the most common types of birth injuries. When delivery room doctors, nurses, and staff are careless or negligent, innocent children can suffer serious, long-lasting consequences. At Lanier Law Group, we stand up for children, parents, and families who are affected by medical incompetence. Our North Carolina brachial plexus injury lawyers can help you fight for the full, fair recovery you and your child are owed.

Contact us at (855) 757-4204 if you believe your child’s disability was the result of a birth injury. We can discuss your legal options during a free initial consultation.

Causes of Brachial Plexus Injuries

Any trauma to the nerves can result in a brachial plexus injury. During labor or delivery, this trauma often occurs when medical professionals are rushed, inexperienced, or downright negligent.

Some of the most common causes and risk factors for brachial plexus injuries include:

• High birth weight
• Prolonged labor
• Breech presentation
• Delayed C-section
• Failure to order an emergency C-section
• Use of forceps/vacuum extractor
• Small/narrow birth canal
• An infant’s shoulders becoming lodged in the birth canal
• Twisting or turning the infant’s neck
• Pulling the infant forcefully from the birth canal

If any of these situations or something similar happened to you and your child was later determined to have suffered a brachial plexus injury or was diagnosed with Erb’s palsy or Klumpke's palsy, we can help. Lanier Law Group has been representing injured infants and their families since 1997; we know how to navigate the legal process, and we are prepared to fight for you.

Signs Your Child Suffered a Brachial Plexus Injury

There are certain common symptoms of brachial plexus injuries that you should look out for in your child. If you notice any of these symptoms, have your child examined and diagnosed by a qualified medical professional right away. The sooner you begin treatment, the sooner your child can begin recovering and regaining the use of his or her arm, shoulder, hand, and/or fingers.

Some common symptoms associated with brachial plexus injuries include:

• Signs of pain, such as inconsolable crying, wailing, or whimpering
• Inability or unwillingness to use one arm
• Problems with reflexes (particularly lack of reflexes in one arm/hand)
• Unusual muscle tone and/or muscle atrophy
• Apparent shoulder, arm, or hand weakness
• Lack of motor skills/fine motor skills in only one arm/hand
• Joint stiffness and other issues with movement

With proper treatment, most brachial plexus injuries will heal and your child will be able to make a full or partial recovery. However, the cost of treatment can be an additional burden on families who are already dealing with the implications of their child’s injury. Our North Carolina brachial plexus injury attorneys can help you seek fair compensation to cover the costs of your child’s care, as well as his/her other damages.

Reach out to us for a free consultation and case evaluation; call (855) 757-4204 or submit an online contact form today.