Dr. Greg Vigna, Brachial Plexus Lawyer

A shoulder injury during birth can cause severe damage to a set of nerves known as the brachial plexus. The brachial plexus nerves begin at the spinal cord in the neck and travel under the collar bone, dividing several times before ending at the armpit. These nerves control shoulder arm and hand movement.

The brachial plexus nerves may be damaged during delivery if the infant’s shoulder gets trapped under pubic bone, and too much force is used to pull on the head. Brachial plexus damage also happens if the baby’s arm is pulled with too much force during the birth.

Brachial plexus injuries can cause life-long disability. As a father and a rehabilitation physician Dr. Greg Vigna understands the impact this type of injury has on the whole family. As your brachial plexus injury lawyer he can help you get an expert medical assessment of your child’s injuries, and build a case with everything needed to provide life-long rehabilitation and treatment for best possible outcomes.

Erb’s Palsy

Erb’s palsy, also known as Shoulder Dystocia results in a paralyzed upper arm, with a hand that still works normally. When too much force is used to pull the baby’s head during delivery, the entire region from the shoulder to the neck is over-stretched. This causes tears to the brachial plexus nerves and can pull them out of the spinal cord at the neck.

Klumpke’s Palsy

Overstretching of the brachial plexus nerves is also the problem when the infant’s arm is pulled too strongly during the birth. This damages the lower portion of the brachial plexus, where it exits the spinal cord. Symptoms include a hand that looks like a claw, and is not functional. The arm can usually move normally.

Klumpke’s Palsy, Birth Injury Lawyers – Brachial Plexus & Erb’s Palsy Attorneys

After brachial plexus damage, Dr. Vigna can build a legal case that integrates expert recommended therapies for your child. The goal of rehabilitation is to preserve the most use of the shoulder arm and hand, and prevent any additional disabilities from developing such as pain, contractures and atrophy of the muscles. Brachial plexus surgery is also an option, and should be performed by a specialist in your child’s injuries. For a complete evaluation, contact the Dr. Greg Vigna legal team. We’re here to help.