Types of Erb’s Palsy, Brachial Plexus Neuropathy

The determination and diagnosis of the type of Erb’s palsy that has been sustained by a child is often difficult. The symptoms may be similar even though the degree to which the nerve has been injured is very different.

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  • Find Out If Your Child is Entitled to Birth Injury Benefits
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Saiontz & Kirk, PA, Attorneys & Lawyers, Baltimore, MD

The investigation of a claim requires a Erb’s palsy brachial plexus lawsuit requires an attorney with experience and the resources to successfully obtain a recovery.

There are different deadlines in each state which could bar a child’s right to obtain brachial plexus injury compensation, known as a statute of limitations. Therefore, time is of the essence.

There are four types of a brachial plexus injuries (also referred to as Erb’s Palsy) which can be suffered by a child during delivery.

  • Neuropraxia ( Stretch of Praxis)
  • Avulsion
  • Rupture
  • Neuroma

Each type of erb’s palsy refers to a different degree of damage to the brachial plexus nerve and could require different treatment for the child to minimize the impact the injury has throughout their life.

Neuropraxia Brachial Plexus Injury (also known as Stretch of Praxis)

Neuropraxia is the most common of the brachial plexus injury types, and the most likely to occur as a result of medical malpractice at birth.  This stretch injury occurs when trauma results from a stretching or damage to the nerve in the shoulder, without it being torn.  The nerves will often be damaged from swelling and bruising from the shoulder getting caught on the pubic bone during delivery, also known as shoulder dystocia.

When a physician uses improper or excessive force pulling on the baby in an attempt to release the shoulder, the brachial plexus nerves can be damaged.  The extent of the shoulder injury will depend on the amount of stretching.

In many cases a neuropraxia brachial plexus injury will heal completely.  However, some children with this type of shoulder injury are diagnosed with Erb’s Palsy and require treatment for years because of a lifetime disability limiting the use of the shoulder, arm or hand.

>>INFORMATION: Erb’s Palsy Treatment Options

Avulsion Brachial Plexus Injury

This is the most severe degree of Erb’s Palsy.  Avulsion brachial plexus injury is associated with the nerve being completely removed and torn from the spine.

Rupture Brachial Plexus Injury

A rupture of the brachial plexus is when the tendon is not torn from the spine, but is torn at another location

Neuroma Brachial Plexus Injury

When the brachial plexus nerve attempts to repair itself, it is described as Neuroma type of Erb’s Palsy.  As a result of the attempt to repair itself, scar tissue around the injury prevents the nerve from properly functioning.

BRACHIAL PLEXUS INJURY LAWSUIT BENEFITS

In many cases Erb’s Palsy or a brachial plexus injury could have been prevented, and a doctor, hospital or nurse’s mistake results in the child having a lifetime shoulder disability.  If a medical mistake caused a child’s Erb’s Palsy, they may be entitled to brachial plexus injury settlement benefits.

If you suspect that a medical mistake may have been made at the time of birth, which has caused a Brachial Plexus Injury, request a free consultation and Erb’s Palsy claim evaluation. There are no fees or expenses unless we secure a recovery for the child.

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