Arlington Heights Brachial Plexus Birth Injury Attorneys

Lawyers in Cook County for Erb's Palsy Caused by Medical Malpractice

At Newland & Newland, LLP, our attorneys understand that any type of birth injury can be devastating not only for the injured child but also for his or her family. We also know how upsetting it can be to learn that your child might not develop properly or be faced with a life full of medical problems as the result of injuries suffered at birth. When such injuries are caused by medical malpractice or negligence on the part of a doctor or other medical professional, the situation can be even worse.

Our lawyers have more than 60 years of combined personal injury experience, and we have handled many medical malpractice cases related to birth injuries. We know that shoulder injuries and other upper body injuries are commonly related to negligence during childbirth, and we are equipped to help you and your family take action against the appropriate parties.

What Is Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy?

The brachial plexus is a bundle of nerves that connects the shoulder to the spinal cord. During childbirth, these nerves can be damaged in a number of ways, and a brachial plexus injury can cause a variety of conditions, including:

• Erb's palsy, a condition that affects the development and mobility of both the upper and lower arm;
• Klumpke paralysis, which is paralysis of the hand;
• Horner's syndrome, a condition that affects the face, eyelids, the eye itself, and facial sweat glands; and
• Total plexus involvement, which may cause full paralysis of the shoulder, arm, and hand.

There are several possible causes for brachial plexus injuries, and most of them are related to the child's shoulder becoming lodged against the mother's pubic bone during birth. When the child's shoulder gets stuck against the pubic bone, the attending doctor must take extra care to free the baby without causing damage to the child's brachial plexus. Excessive pressure or the improper use of tools such as a forceps or vacuums could cause injury to the baby. In some cases, a cesarean section might be necessary, and it is up to the doctor to order a c-section before an injury occurs. Failure to identify risk factors for brachial plexus injuries could be considered negligence, depending on the circumstances.

Proving Negligence in Birth Injury Cases

Attorney Gary A. Newland and his team know that not all birth injuries are the result of negligence or malpractice. Sometimes, a doctor can do everything right and injuries could still occur. However, when a doctor fails to provide care that is consistent with the prevailing medical standards, he or she may be guilty of professional negligence, which is another name for malpractice.

When you contact our firm, we will conduct a full investigation into the circumstances of your child's injury. We will review medical records, clinical notes, and all other information that could help us determine if the doctor or facility acted negligently. Our firm also maintains a large network of qualified experts, including board-certified obstetrics doctors, whose input could be crucial in building your case. Our lawyers will negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies, and we are fully prepared to go to trial if necessary.

Call 847-797-8000 Today

If your child has been diagnosed with Erb's palsy, Horner's syndrome, or any other condition related to a brachial plexus injury, contact our office to discuss your case. Call 847-797-8000 for a free phone consultation at any of our five convenient locations. Newland & Newland, LLP serves clients in Arlington Heights, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg, Palatine, Buffalo Grove, Mount Prospect, Wheeling, Long Grove, Des Plains, Elk Grove Village, Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County, and the surrounding areas.