Experienced Erb's Palsy Lawyers in Columbia and Myrtle Beach
Brachial plexus injuries are among the most common birth injuries, and they are the primary cause of Erb's palsy, a paralysis of the arm. When doctors and medical staff fail to take the appropriate steps to avoid brachial plexus injuries, they may be liable for medical malpractice.
At the law firm of Furr & Henshaw, with offices in Myrtle Beach and Columbia, our South Carolina brachial plexus injury attorneys have decades of experience helping parents statewide seek compensation for injuries their children have suffered as a result of birth trauma.
Understanding the Causes and Consequences of Brachial Plexus Injuries
Brachial plexus injuries are typically the result of shoulder dystocia, a delivery complication in which the baby's shoulder gets caught on the inside of the pelvis. If the child is forced into the birth canal in any way, he or she can suffer nerve damage in the shoulder and arm.
Obstetricians and obstetric nurses are highly trained in the steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of brachial plexus injuries, including the following:
- Pre-labor assessments: Before a woman goes into labor, or early in the process, attending staff are supposed to assess the size of the child relative to the size of the pelvis. If the child is particularly large, they may need to prepare for a cesarean section.
- Birthing maneuvers: Once a child has gotten stuck during delivery, there are certain specific maneuvers that doctors are expected to perform in order to have the best chance of delivering the child without causing permanent nerve damage.
The nerve damage done during brachial plexus injuries can cause permanent paralysis, but even when the paralysis is only temporary, it can stunt the growth of the child's arm during a crucial time in his or her physical development, with permanent consequences.
Contact Us Today to Schedule a Free Consultation
If your child has suffered a brachial plexus injury during delivery, contact us today to discuss whether we can help you bring a malpractice claim. Our consultations are free of charge and obligation, and you will not pay any attorneys fees unless we help you recover compensation.
