BRACHIAL PLEXUS INJURY LAWYER
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Terry Crouppen who has more than 40 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Terry Crouppen who has more than 40 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.
- Last Modified:
- April 10, 2024
If your child suffered a brachial plexus injury during delivery, you may be overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. The compassionate, award-winning brachial plexus injury lawyers at Brown & Crouppen understand how devastating these birth injuries are for Missouri families.
With over 40 years of experience helping clients recover over $1 billion in compensation, we can provide the knowledgeable legal guidance you need. Don’t fight big healthcare providers and insurance companies alone. Let our team level the playing field. Reach out to our office in St. Louis by calling (800) 536-4357 or filling out our online contact form for a free consultation.
What is a Brachial Plexus Injury?
A brachial plexus injury occurs when excessive force or stretching is applied to the baby’s neck and shoulders during delivery. The network of nerves between the neck and shoulder, known as the brachial plexus, becomes damaged. These nerves control muscle movement and sensation in the arm, hand, and wrist. When the brachial plexus is injured during childbirth, it can result in a loss of function and mobility.
Signs of a brachial plexus injury include weakness, numbness, and lack of movement and muscle control in the affected arm. Without proper treatment and therapy, the impact can be lifelong. When these heartbreaking injuries occur, the compassionate brachial plexus injury attorneys at Brown & Crouppen are here to help families in St. Louis, Kansas City, and throughout Missouri.
How Do Brachial Plexus Injuries Happen?
Brachial plexus injuries most frequently occur during childbirth when excessive lateral traction is applied to the baby’s head and neck by medical staff. This often happens when the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck during delivery, a condition known as shoulder dystocia. The doctor or nurses then pull on the baby’s head to free the trapped shoulder, overstretching the brachial plexus nerves.
Additional causes of brachial plexus injuries during delivery may include:
- The baby is unusually large for the birth canal
- Labor continues for an extended period
- Delivery instruments like forceps or vacuums are improperly applied
- Abnormal presentation of the baby’s head
Though less common, brachial plexus injuries can also happen outside of childbirth, usually due to excessive stretching or trauma to the neck and shoulder region. Our experienced brachial plexus injury lawyers have seen these painful injuries arise in various circumstances over our 40 years of fighting for our clients. We’re here to help families in St. Louis and Kansas City pursue full and fair compensation when their babies are hurt due to negligence and medical malpractice.
Can You Sue for a Brachial Plexus Injury?
If medical negligence during labor and delivery caused your child’s brachial plexus injury, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. To prove your case, you would need to show that a medical provider failed to uphold the minimum standard of care of their profession and specialization, thereby injuring your baby.
The knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyers at Brown & Crouppen can handle every aspect of your claim, from gathering evidence to negotiating a fair settlement offer. We also have what it takes to argue your brachial plexus lawsuit aggressively in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached. We will strive to provide you peace of mind while fighting for full and fair compensation. We work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing upfront.
When Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Brachial Plexus Injury?
It’s essential to contact a qualified brachial plexus injury lawyer as soon as possible after your child’s birth injury. The statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims in Missouri is two years, meaning your case will most likely be dismissed unless you file a claim within two years after the malpractice occurred or the resulting injury could reasonably have been discovered.
The birth injury lawyers at Brown & Crouppen can immediately get to work investigating your case, preserving evidence, and assessing your legal options. We will handle every detail so you can focus on your family’s well-being during this challenging period. Our lawyers will fight tirelessly to recover compensation for things like:
- Past and future medical bills
- Cost of therapy, rehabilitation, and special education
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of future earnings
- Disfigurement
Don’t go through this alone. Our compassionate birth injury lawyers in St. Louis and Kansas City are ready to help your family fight for justice, accountability, and compensation.
How to Diagnose a Brachial Plexus Injury
Signs of a potential brachial plexus injury include:
- Lack of mobility in the arm, wrist, or hand
- Weakness or paralysis
- Loss of muscle tone, often indicated by a limp arm
- Numbness or lack of sensation
- Asymmetric Moro reflex in the arms
If brachial plexus damage is suspected, your doctor can perform diagnostic tests to assess nerve functionality. These may include:
- X-rays to look for broken bones indicating trauma
- CT or MRI scans to pinpoint nerve damage
- Nerve conduction studies to check electrical activity
- Electromyography measuring muscle response
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment provide the best chance of recovery for infants with brachial plexus injuries.
Does a Brachial Plexus Injury Qualify for Social Security Benefits?
Children suffering from brachial plexus injuries may qualify for Social Security benefits through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. To be eligible, your child must:
- Have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability
- Be under the age of 18
- Not exceed familial income and asset limits
- Be a U.S. citizen living in the country or a lawful resident
The experienced lawyers at Brown & Crouppen can help you determine if your child is eligible and assist with the application process. Some of the key steps in applying got brachial plexus SSI benefits include:
- Getting your child’s medical records detailing their injury and functional impairments
- Having physicians fill out a Child Disability Report
- Completing the SSI application
- Attending any required evaluations of your child’s condition
This application process can be complex and bureaucratic, but the potential assistance is invaluable. Contact a Missouri brachial plexus injury attorney for help.
Call Brown & Crouppen for a Free Consultation
The compassionate legal team at Brown & Crouppen is here for Missouri parents dealing with the devastating impacts of brachial plexus injuries. If medical negligence during childbirth caused your baby’s injury, we can help you pursue fair compensation through a lawsuit. Our award-winning law firm is made up of 250+ professionals who will provide knowledgeable legal representation so you can focus on caring for your family.
As members of a service-oriented profession, we also believe in giving back to our community through volunteer work and charitable donations. We have worked with various nonprofits, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, United Cerebral Palsy, Habitat for Humanity, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and Food Outreach.
We have offices throughout Missouri, including in St. Louis and Kansas City. Call us today at (800) 536-4357 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. You pay us nothing unless we win your case.
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- Last Modified:
- April 10, 2024
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