A brachial plexus injury is one of the most common birth injuries, occurring at a rate of 2 out of every 1,000 births. The brachial plexus is a bundle of nerves in one's shoulder that controls movement in the shoulder, arm, wrist, hand and fingers. When these nerves are injured during the delivery process, a baby may sustain debilitating injuries.

Brachial plexus injuries often occur during birth when a baby's shoulder becomes stuck on the mother's public bone during the birthing process, a complication known as shoulder dystocia. If a physician or nurse applies too much force while performing maneuvers to dislodge the baby, they risk stretching the child's brachial plexus nerves and causing injury. Brachial plexus injuries can also occur in a breech delivery when there is excessive pressure on the infant's neck and arms.

Physicians can often foresee breech births and shoulder dystocias and take preventative measures to avoid brachial plexus injuries. There are a number of risk factors for shoulder dystocia including a mother's excessive weight gain or obesity during pregnancy, post-term delivery, gestational diabetes, a larger-than-average (macrosomic) baby, or a mother's previous delivery of a large baby. A physician can also determine whether a baby is in a breech position prior to labor and delivery.

Many brachial plexus injuries heal without treatment. However, others can result in lifelong injury. Brachial plexus injuries range in severity, and can lead to loss of movement or sensation, paralysis or disfigurement. In many of the birth injury lawsuits we have handled, our clients have suffered severe brachial plexus injuries that prevent them from performing everyday tasks. If a birth injury occurs due to someone else's negligence, it is important for victims to be fairly compensated.

Levin & Perconti has successfully recovered medical malpractice settlements for Illinois victims of brachial plexus injuries. Our attorneys received a $6.71 verdict for a girl who suffered bilateral brachial plexus injuries when a medical resident applied excessive force to her body during a breech delivery. This force caused nerve damage and resulted in the loss of most of the movement and strength in her left arm.

If you or a loved one suffered a brachial plexus injury, contact the Chicago injury attorneys at Levin & Perconti at 312-332-2872 or 877-374-1417 or by completing our personal injury case evaluation form. We can provide a free consultation to discuss your case to help you determine whether you have a potential birth injury claim and what your legal options are.