Understanding Brachial Plexus Injuries in Newborns

Brachial plexus injuries happen when the nerves that control a baby’s shoulder, arm, or hand are stretched, compressed, or torn during birth. These nerves connect the spinal cord to the arm, and even slight damage can cause lasting weakness or paralysis. In Kentucky, this type of birth injury usually occurs during deliveries involving shoulder dystocia.

At Wilt Injury Lawyers, we help parents find answers when complications arise during delivery. Medical negligence isn’t always apparent. Fortunately, our experienced injury attorneys serving Kentucky can determine whether your child’s injury was preventable, helping you secure maximum compensation for the challenges ahead.

How Do Brachial Plexus Injuries Happen?

The brachial plexus is in the neck and shoulder, where five major nerves branch to control movement and sensation in the arm. During a difficult delivery, these nerves can stretch or tear if too much force is used to guide the baby through the birth canal. Some ordinary delivery circumstances that increase the risk include:

• Shoulder dystocia occurs when the baby’s shoulder gets caught behind the pelvic bone
• Use of forceps or a vacuum extractor, which can place additional pressure on the neck or shoulder
• Breech births, where the baby is delivered feet or buttocks first

In mild cases, nerve stretching or neurapraxia can heal within months. In more severe cases, however, such as nerve ruptures or avulsions, children may face lifelong impairment, muscle weakness, or loss of mobility in the affected arm.

What Are the Signs of a Brachial Plexus Injury in a Baby?

You may notice symptoms soon after delivery. Your baby may keep one arm limp at their side or show limited reflex movement on that side. Some babies are diagnosed with Erb’s palsy (upper arm paralysis) or Klumpke’s palsy (hand and wrist paralysis).

In addition to physical weakness, your baby may experience coordination challenges, muscle imbalances, or developmental delays. Many require physical and occupational therapy for years, and some undergo nerve grafts or tendon transfers. These treatments, while effective, can place emotional and financial strain on your family.

When a Brachial Plexus Injury is Medical Malpractice

Not every brachial plexus injury results from negligence. However, in some cases, improper medical judgment or excessive force causes preventable nerve damage. In Kentucky, you can hold a healthcare provider liable for your baby’s brachial plexus injury if they:

• Failed to identify risk factors such as gestational diabetes or fetal macrosomia (large baby size)
• Delayed intervention when shoulder dystocia occurred
• Applied excessive traction to free your baby’s shoulder

To prove malpractice, you must demonstrate that the negligent provider failed to meet Kentucky’s accepted standard of care and that this failure injured your baby. Each case depends on medical records, fetal monitoring data, and expert review, which are crucial pieces of evidence that a brachial plexus injury lawyer serving Kentucky can uncover, interpret, and use to build your birth injury claim.

How Our Injury Attorneys Can Help

Hospitals commonly argue that brachial plexus injuries are unavoidable. A lawyer can investigate whether delivery staff followed proper protocols, consulted specialists, and used safe birthing techniques. They can work with medical experts to reconstruct precisely what happened, identify where care broke down, and determine how that harm could’ve been prevented.

By documenting your child’s medical journey, daily struggles, and future needs, your attorney can build a complete picture of the impact this injury will have for years to come and why your child deserves compensation.

Our Dedicated Injury Lawyers Are Here for You

Discuss your case with our brachial plexus injury attorneys serving Kentucky and arrange your no-cost consultation by reaching Wilt Injury Lawyers at 502-427-6813 or online.