Understanding brachial plexus birth injuries

Understanding brachial plexus birth injuries

On Behalf of | Jun 27, 2022 | Medical Malpractice |

Expectant parents in Texas go into the birth process assuming everything will go as planned and the result will be a healthy mother and baby. Sadly, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes things can go horribly wrong during birth which can lead to serious injuries for the newborn child. Brachial plexus injuries are some of the most common birth injuries. Many of these injuries are preventable.

Information on brachial plexus birth injuries

The brachial plexus is a nerve network found in the area between the neck and shoulders. During birth, this area can be damaged. The nerves can be stretched, ruptured or torn, and the results of this can range from minor to quite severe. There are several factors that a doctor should look for to prepare for the possibility of – and prevent – this type of birth injury

Prolonged labor, a difficult birth, a breech birth, or a brachial plexus injury in a previous birth can be indicators that attending doctors should be cautious and take action to prevent injury to this network of nerves.  Brachial plexus injuries can lead to lifelong conditions in some of the more severe cases. Treatment may include therapy or surgery. In serious cases, the damage can be experienced for life.

Legal action for birth injuries

When expectant parents are looking forward to meeting their new child, most never even think of the possibility of something going wrong. But birth injuries do happen, and they can devastate a family. Children who grow up with injuries related to their birth may deal with lifelong medical conditions. When a medical care professional doesn’t properly diagnose or prepare for potential issues, the parents may be able to pursue a civil case for medical malpractice. Texas parents caring for a child who has suffered a birth injury can benefit from speaking with an experienced attorney to see what options they have.