Blume Forte partner Jeffrey J. Zenna obtained a $250,000 settlement on behalf of a 16-year-old boy who suffered a brachial plexus injury during birth complicated by shoulder dystocia. Though the injury was relatively mild, Attorney Zenna was successful in securing this settlement.
The brachial plexus is a network of cervical nerves which control the shoulders, arms, wrists, and hands. These nerves are susceptible to injury during the delivery process if the delivering healthcare provider fails to utilize the correct maneuvers or exerts excessive traction or force during a delivery complicated by dystocia.
Shoulder dystocia occurs when the child becomes stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone after the head has been delivered. The attending doctor or midwife is supposed to use specific maneuvers to free the trapped shoulder while refraining from using excessive force, which could cause the brachial plexus nerves to stretch or tear. The use of this excessive traction and/or a failure to utilize the correct maneuvers constitutes medical negligence.
Damage to the brachial plexus nerves can lead to the limited use or even complete paralysis of the child’s shoulder, arm, wrist, and/or hand. These resulting conditions are referred to as Erb’s Palsy, and/or Klumpke’s Palsy, and may manifest even after reparative surgeries and prolonged therapy.
If your child has suffered a brachial plexus injury, you may be able to pursue a medical negligence claim. To learn more about your legal rights and potential options, contact the experienced New Jersey brachial plexus injury lawyers at Blume Forte for a no-cost consultation at 973-845-4421.