Brachial Plexus Birth Injury Claims
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A brachial plexus injury can affect a child’s movement and development, creating both emotional and practical challenges for the whole family. When these injuries happen during birth, parents are often left searching for answers and reassurance.
At Macks Solicitors, our specialist medical negligence team offers compassionate guidance while thoroughly investigating whether the care provided during labour or delivery met the expected standards, helping families understand their options and make informed decisions.
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For no-obligation advice and information, call our specialist medical negligence solicitors today on 01642 843 671 or use our contact form and we will call you back.
What Is a Brachial Plexus Injury?
A brachial plexus injury involves damage to the network of nerves that control movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, and hand. The nerves run from the spine through the neck and into the upper limb.
During childbirth, these nerves can be stretched, compressed, or in more serious cases, torn. The severity of the injury can vary, with some babies making a full recovery and others experiencing long-term weakness, reduced movement, or loss of sensation in the affected arm.
How Can Brachial Plexus Injuries Occur During Birth?
Brachial plexus injuries are often associated with difficult or complicated deliveries. One of the most common situations is should dystocia, where the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck during birth and requires careful management. Concerns may arise where there has been:
- Excessive force used during delivery
- Incorrect management of shoulder dystocia
- Failure to identify risk factors before labour
- Delays in performing a caesarean section where appropriate
- Inadequate planning for a high-risk delivery
While not all cases are preventable, injuries may occur where appropriate techniques and procedures were not followed. If you are concerned about how your baby’s delivery was managed, our specialist team can help you explore whether the care provided met expected standards. Call our team today on 01642 843 671 or use our contact form and we will call you back.
Signs and Effects of Brachial Plexus Injury
The effects of a brachial plexus injury can vary depending on the severity of the nerve damage. Signs may include:
- Weakness or limited movement in the arm
- Reduced grip strength
- Loss of sensation in the affected limb
- An arm that hangs by the side or is not used as expected
- Delayed motor development
Some children recover over time with appropriate treatment, while others may require ongoing therapy or experience long-term difficulties.
When Can a Claim Be Considered?
A claim may be considered where there is evidence that the injury was caused by substandard care during labour or delivery. This may include situations where:
- The delivery was not managed appropriately
- Excessive or inappropriate force was used
- Warning signs or risk factors were not recognised
- Alternative delivery options were not considered
Each case requires a careful review of medical records and independent expert advice to determine whether the injury could have been avoided. Our team is here to guide you through this process and provide clear advice on your options.
What Can Compensation Cover?
Compensation can help with:
- Long-term medical care and therapy
- Loss of future earnings
- Home and vehicle adaptations
- Special education and equipment
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
We’ll help ensure your claim reflects the full extent of the impact on your child and family.
What Is the Time Limit for Making a Claim?
In most medical negligence cases, the standard time limit is three years from the date of the injury or when the injury was first known. For children, the three-year limit does not begin until they turn 18, meaning you can bring a claim any time before their 21st birthday. However, it is advised to bring a claim sooner rather than later as the quality of evidence may fade over time.
If the injured person lacks mental capacity, the time limit may not apply.
How Macks Solicitors Can Help
We understand how worrying it can be when a child has suffered an injury at birth. Our specialist medical negligence team will:
- Listen carefully to your concerns
- Review medical records in detail
- Work with independent medical experts
- Provide clear and honest advice
- Support you throughout the claims process
Our aim is to help families understand what happened and secure the support they need for the future.
Contact us
For more information about making a Birth Asphyxia claim, you can call us on 01642 843 667; alternatively, complete our online contact form and one of our solicitors will be in touch.
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Call us on 0808 175 1901 or request a callback for further information, or start a claim and one of our specialist Brachial Plexus Birth Injury Claims lawyers will be in touch.
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