When Clavicle Fractures Signal a Brachial Plexus Birth Injury

Sometimes a newborn’s clavicle fractures are more than simple breaks. They can signal damage to the brachial plexus, the nerve network that controls the shoulder, arm, and hand. Unfortunately, parents usually don’t realize this connection until their baby struggles to move one arm days or weeks after birth.

At Wilt Injury Lawyers, our injury lawyers have handled cases where a seemingly routine delivery resulted in severe nerve trauma. When medical negligence, such as excessive pulling or an inappropriate response to shoulder dystocia, causes that trauma, you may be entitled to compensation for your child’s long-term care and rehabilitation.

What’s the Difference Between a Fracture and a Brachial Plexus Injury?

A clavicle fracture typically happens when the baby’s shoulder becomes lodged against the mother’s pelvic bone, making delivery more difficult. It’s excruciating but generally heals in a few weeks. A brachial plexus injury, however, affects the nerves that control arm movement.

The National Institutes of Health states that roughly 1–2 out of every 1,000 births involve brachial plexus injury. Many occur when doctors use too much traction during difficult vaginal deliveries or mishandle tools like forceps or vacuums. If those nerves stretch or tear, the result can be permanent weakness or paralysis.

How Can You Tell the Difference?

A broken collarbone alone doesn’t usually limit long-term mobility. However, if your baby can’t lift or bend one arm, or if their reflexes seem uneven, that could point to nerve damage. Watch for signs like:

• The arm hanging limp at your baby’s side
• No movement in the hand or wrist
• Weak grip or uneven Moro reflex
• Crying or pain when the shoulder is touched

These symptoms can indicate Erb’s palsy or Klumpke’s palsy, both caused by brachial plexus trauma. Early testing is vital because prompt therapy can make a significant difference in your child’s life.

When Does a Clavicle Fracture Mean Medical Negligence?

Not every birth injury is preventable. However, some occur due to avoidable medical errors. A doctor or nurse may be negligent if they:

• Ignore risk factors such as large fetal size or gestational diabetes
• Delay ordering a C-section during prolonged labor
• Use excessive pulling force or improper maneuvers
• Misuse of delivery instruments

Under state law, you can pursue compensation when a medical provider’s negligence directly causes harm. Proving this will require reviewing fetal monitoring strips, delivery room records, and expert medical testimony.

How Our Injury Lawyers Can Help

The physical and emotional toll of a brachial plexus injury can last a lifetime. Children may need years of physical therapy, nerve grafts, or orthopedic surgery to regain partial movement. Many experience ongoing pain, limited range of motion, or uneven arm growth despite proper treatment.

The goal of your Louisville brachial plexus injury attorney is to find out what really happened in the delivery room. They will work with medical experts to review fetal monitoring strips, delivery records, and imaging studies to determine whether excessive traction or delayed intervention caused your baby’s injury.

Likewise, our attorneys can work to calculate future care costs, therapy, adaptive devices, and in-home modifications to ensure your claim reflects your child’s specific needs. When hospitals or insurers resist accountability and refuse to settle fairly, your lawyer will seek justice in court if necessary.

Seek Guidance from Our Dedicated Injury Attorneys

To schedule your free case assessment and learn how our Louisville brachial plexus injury lawyers can assist you, call Wilt Injury Lawyers at 502-427-6813 or complete our online form.