Oregon Brachial Plexus Birth Injury Lawyers - Bend/Portland, OR

Brachial plexus injuries are one of the most common types of Oregon birth injuries, and they could also be one of the most debilitating types of birth injuries.  This is because brachial plexus birth injuries could cause a loss of sensation, function/movement, and physical deformity of a person’s arm.  Fortunately, most brachial plexus injuries are preventable through proper care and treatment by healthcare providers.  However, despite the ease at which brachial plexus injuries could be avoided, far too many innocent children are injured through reckless, careless, and negligent conduct by their trusted medical providers.  If your loved one suffered a brachial plexus birth injury, get a free consultation from our Oregon brachial plexus birth injury lawyers to learn what your rights to compensation may be.

What are Brachial Plexus Injuries?

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves originating from the spine and extending outwards through the neck, down the arm, and to the fingertips.  The brachial plexus itself is generally considered the portion of these nerves from the spine to the armpit.  It is a thick bundle of nerves that is vital to sensation, function, movement, and even the development of a person’s arm, hand, and fingers.

While this network of nerves is strong and resilient, it is not indestructible.  This is particularly true in babies which is why brachial plexus birth injuries are common.  Injuries could be caused by external forces (such as pulling), through significant trauma (dropped from a height), or penetrating injuries (improper injection/scalpel use).  The most common mechanism for children to suffer a brachial plexus injury is during the birthing process in being pulled, yanked, grabbed, or otherwise forced in a manner which stretches the brachial plexus nerves to their breaking point.

There are several different types of brachial plexus injuries.  The specific types include the following:

Erb’s Palsy – Damage to the brachial plexus nerves which result in a weakness to the arm.  The damage generally affects only the upper half of the arm.  This weakness could be temporary or permanent.  Depending on the severity of the damage, it may not be possible for the individual to move a portion of his or her arm due to the extreme weakness.

Klumpke’s Palsy – Damage to the brachial plexus nerves which result in weakness to the arm.  The damage generally affects only the lower half of the arm.  This weakness could be temporary or permanent.  Depending on the severity of the damage, it may not be possible for the individual to move a portion of his or her arm due to the extreme weakness.

Shoulder Dystocia – Unlike Erb’s and Klumpke’s Palsy, shoulder dystocia is the mechanism for injury which could cause either type of palsy, or other injuries including broken bones.  This occurs when the shoulders are stuck inside of the mother’s pelvis either because the baby came head first and the shoulders do not feet, or the baby came feet first and arms are stuck which place the shoulders in a compromising position likely to get stuck.  In either situation, the nerve damage could be severe and effect the entire arm due to shoulder dystocia.

Causes of Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries

There are many possible reasons why brachial plexus birth injuries could be caused due to Oregon medical malpractice.  Most times a brachial plexus birth injury starts with poor pre-natal care and evaluation, including an assessment of whether the baby will be able to safely fit through the mother’s cervix and birth canal.  Issues such as pelvic structure, position of the fetus, and size of the mother/fetus are all factors that are readily determined with pre-labor screening.

Other causes which might result in brachial plexus birth injuries include the following:

• Pulling, yanking, grabbing, or otherwise using excessive force on a baby’s arm or head/neck during the birth process;
• Improper use of extraction tools, especially forceps or vacuum extractors;
• Pulling or yanking on a baby against contractions;
• Dropping a baby on his or her head, neck, or shoulder;
• Failing to timely schedule and perform a c-section;
• Failing to guard against shoulder dystocia;
• Using erratic, powerfully, or jerky movements with guiding a baby through the birth canal;
• Improper use of tools that cause injuries to the baby’s neck or shoulder which could pierce the brachial plexus nerves; and
• Many other causes.

Bend/Portland, Oregon Brachial Plexus Lawyers

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed as a result of medical malpractice contact the Oregon Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Kuhlman Law at our number below or fill out the intake form.  We offer a free initial case evaluation and handle cases on a contingency fee which means that you pay no money unless we recover.  

We handle cases throughout the state including Bend and Portland Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton, and Hillsboro.  

We also have an office in Minneapolis, Minnesota and take medical malpractice cases throughout the Twin Cities, including St. Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Washington County, Anoka County, Scott County, Blaine, Stillwater, and Saint Paul Minnesota.  

Please act quickly, there is a limited time (Statute of Limitations) in which you can bring a claim under the law.