Brachial Plexus Injury
If you believe a brachial plexus injury has been caused by medical error, or has been poorly managed by medical practitioners, you could be entitled to make a compensation claim. Contact us at Glynns Solicitors to find out more.
What is a brachial plexus injury?
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that begin in the spinal cord in the neck and branch downwards through the shoulder and arm. Together these nerves provide sensation and enable movement in the shoulders, arms, hands and fingers.
A brachial plexus injury is when these nerves are damaged, adversely affecting function. Injury can mean that the nerves have been squashed, ripped, torn, or hindered by scar tissue that has grown around the nerve.
There are different types of brachial plexus injury which are categorised depending upon the nature of the injury. The most severe is an avulsion, where the nerve root is torn away from the spinal cord.
What causes a brachial plexus injury?
Brachial plexus injuries are commonly associated with childbirth. If the baby's shoulder become stuck behind the mother's pubic bone, the medical team must quickly release the shoulder or the baby's brain could be deprived of oxygen. There are various manoeuvres that can be used, but the force of these can injure the baby's brachial plexus. This can result in a condition called Erb's Palsy.
Brachial plexus injuries can also affect adults. They can be caused by traumatic incidents such as motorcycle accidents, sporting injuries, tumours and an overdose of radiation therapy.
Living with a brachial plexus injury
A brachial plexus injury can be very debilitating. It can cause pain, loss of sensation, muscle weakness and even paralysis of the limb or shoulder. This can limit someone's ability to do basic tasks, such as get dressed and drive. It can also impact upon their earning capacity, as certain jobs will be impossible due to the restricted movement.
Brachial plexus injury medical negligence claim
If a brachial plexus injury is caused by medical error, or it is not diagnosed and treated properly, there could be a case of medical negligence.
For instance, it may be that the brachial plexus injury was caused by an unsafe dosage of radiation, a delayed diagnosis of cancer or during the delivery of a baby. Or it may be that you sustained a brachial plexus injury while playing sport or when you were in an accident, but the problem was not detected and treated accordingly.
Expert legal advice
To find out if you can claim compensation for a brachial plexus injury, please get in touch with us today.
Call us free on 0800 234 3300 (or from a mobile 01275 334030) or complete our Online Enquiry Form.
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