The brachial plexus is the bundle of nerves and nerve fibers in the shoulder. They run from the spine, through the neck, and down the arms. When a newborn’s brachial plexus sustains an injury during birth, it can damage the nerves and result in a range of conditions and disabilities. You may be eligible for compensation for a brachial plexus injury that stems from medical malpractice.
If you believe a negligent doctor caused your child’s brachial plexus injury, contact the Albuquerque birth injury lawyers at The Fine Law Firm. Request your free case evaluation today at (505) 889-FINE.
Why Choose Us?
The Fine Law Firm’s attorneys have a combined 100 years of experience practicing personal injury law. Since the firm’s foundation in 1975, it has maintained a case success rate of 99%. Clients don’t only come to us for our experience, however, but because of our other attributes as well:
- Belief that personal injury practice requires strong attention to detail
- Close relationships and personal contact with clients
- Unmatched level of representation in the state of New Mexico
- Reputation as leaders in our field
Why Do You Need a Brachial Plexus Lawyer?
It can be easy for an insurance company to take advantage of a claimant when that claimant has no experience negotiating settlements, and no attorney. Insurance companies have years of practice undervaluing claims and offering low settlements. One of our Albuquerque brachial plexus attorneys can help you demand fair compensation from a settlement, or otherwise take your case to trial.
Brachial Plexus Injury Symptoms and Causes
A brachial plexus injury can cause symptoms such as arm weakness, lack of reflexes, no or limited movement on one side, fingers kept in a clawed position, and abnormal muscle contractions. Special reflex tests and muscle evaluations can diagnose a brachial plexus injury. Symptoms can last days or months depending on the severity of the injury. However, most newborns regain the feeling and mobility of the affected limb over time, often with daily physical therapy.
A common cause of brachial plexus injuries in infants is damage to the area during a difficult labor and delivery. Injury to the bundle of nerves from pulling, tugging, or yanking the infant can occur, forcing the arm and shoulder to excessively stretch. This may happen if the infant lodges behind the mother’s pelvis and the doctor tugs on the baby’s arm, or in a breech birth when the doctor pulls on the legs and forces the baby’s arms to squeeze overhead. Improper use of birthing tools and use of excessive force can also cause infant brachial plexus injuries.
Do I Have a Claim?
If your doctor fulfilled his/her duties to you with reasonable care and good faith rendering of services, he or she may not be liable for a brachial plexus injury. If, however, you can prove that the physician breached a duty of care to you through some act of negligence (e.g., failing to order an emergency cesarean section or using improper birthing techniques) and that this negligence caused your child’s brachial plexus injury, you have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Our lawyers can assess your case and give you candid advice as to whether it has merit.
Contact Us Today
The New Mexico personal injury attorneys at The Fine Law Firm may be able to help you maximize compensation for your child’s brachial plexus injury. Let us give you peace of mind by handling the legal process on your behalf. Schedule your free consultation today.