Medical Mistakes Can Lead to Brachial Palsy

Most expecting mothers do not dwell on the problems that can go wrong during the labor and delivery process. Instead they focus on the joy of the upcoming arrival of their little one. Unfortunately, hospitals and doctors can make mistakes and these medical errors can lead to serious birth injuries. Brachial palsy, also known as Erb’s palsy, Klumpke paralysis and Erb-Duchenne paralysis, is most often the result of an injury during birth. If your infant has been diagnosed with brachial palsy, you need to understand what may have caused it.

MedlinePlus.com defines brachial palsy as “a loss of movement or weakness of the arm caused by damage to the collection of nerves around the shoulder.”

Damage to the brachial nerve can occur during a difficult delivery. If infant’s head and neck are pulled towards the side as the shoulders pass through the birth canal, this action can lead to a brachial nerve injury. It can also be the result of excessive pulling on the shoulders during a head first delivery or by increased pressure on the raised arms during a breech delivery.

An infant can experience different types of brachial palsy, depending on where and how the injury occurred. According to MedlinePlus.com, the type of brachial palsy has to do with the degree of arm paralysis and may include any of the following birth injuries:

• Brachial plexus injuries usually impact the upper arm.
• Erb’s paralysis typically affects the upper arm and rotation of the lower arm.
• Klumpke paralysis affects the hand and an infant with this condition may have a drooping eyelid.

If you are not sure if your infant’s birth injury has resulted in brachial palsy, there are signs you can watch out for. Some of the symptoms of brachial palsy include:

• Lack of startle reflex on the affected side
• Flexed arm at the elbow that is held against the body
• No spontaneous movement in the upper or lower arm or hand
• Decreased grip on the side that has been affected

Most infants recover from brachial palsy within 6 months. However, infants who do not recover during that time may be facing additional surgery to fix the problem. Brachial palsy can lead to paralysis of the arm or arm weakness.

In some situations, a doctor or hospital can be held responsible for an infant’s brachial palsy. For example, if there was a prolonged labor and the doctor delayed a C-section, the doctor can be held liable. If your infant has been the victim of a birth injury, you should contact an experienced Kentucky birth injury attorney to review your case. Call Gray and White Law at (502) 637-6000 or (800) 637-6033 for legal advice. We are experienced at handling birth injury cases and can help you receive compensation that your family deserves.