Brachial Plexus Explained
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that sends sensory and motor signals from the brain and spinal cord to the upper extremities, including the shoulder, arm, and hand. An obstetric brachial plexus injury occurs when these nerves are stretched or torn through excessive traction at the time of birth.
Obstetric brachial plexus injury is a catastrophic event, which leads to a lifetime of disability and hardship. While early therapeutic intervention and surgery can minimize the resulting disability and maximize the functionality of the injured extremity, inevitably the child is left with a serious and permanent injury. The long term complications associated with obstetric brachial plexus injury are many and include decreased innervations, decreased strength, and stamina, altered biomechanics, impaired bone growth, abnormal sensation, joint destruction, and osteoarthritis.
Shoulder Dystocia
Obstetric brachial plexus injury is a catastrophic event, which leads to a lifetime of disability and hardship.
Most commonly, obstetric brachial plexus injury occurs following shoulder dystocia. Shoulder dystocia occurs at birth after the delivery of the baby's head, when the baby's anterior shoulder gets caught behind the mother's pubic bone. Shoulder dystocia is an obstetrical emergency that requires specific maneuvers to alleviate the obstruction. Where the shoulder dystocia was either not recognized or not appropriately acted upon, the consequences to the baby may be catastrophic. All too often, health care providers pull on the baby in an effort to overcome the obstruction. This is exactly what not to do! Pulling on the baby (excessive traction) is the known cause of obstetric brachial plexus injuries.
A Proven Record of Success in Obstetric Brachial Plexus Injuries
Cullan & Cullan LLC have specialized medical experience and knowledge in obstetrics. This enables our Omaha birth injury lawyers to represent babies with brachial plexus birth injuries with the skill and expertise necessary to maximize their recovery. These permanent injuries will necessitate life-long needs, including therapy, surgery, specialty equipment, and care. The associated financial costs are tremendous. Cullan & Cullan LLC have a proven record in recovering the maximum available from the medical insurance companies, to minimize the financial impact such injuries will have on the injured baby and his or her family.
We welcome your calls about brachial plexus injury cases. Contact us at (402) 882-7080for an appointment. Our lawyers represent clients nationwide.
Largest Verdict in Nebraska History for Obstetric Brachial Plexus Injury
$1,300.000.00 Jury Verdict - Obstetrical Malpractice - Brachial Plexus Injury (see image below).
Jury returns record verdict for $1,300.000.00 after a midwife pulled too hard on the baby's head during a delivery and ruptured 3 nerves in the child's neck causing paralysis. Cullan & Cullan LLC rejected a $500,000.00 offer to settle the claim and achieved full justice for the young boy.
