Brachial Plexus Injury Lawyer
Brachial Plexus Injury Lawyer
Did your child or family member experience a brachial plexus injury during? This type of birth injury can have lifelong devastating consequences. Consulting medical malpractice lawyers is the first step towards getting compensation for your pain.
We’ll work with you to assess your case and the circumstances surrounding it and advise you on all available legal options. Our attorneys understand brachial plexus injury lawsuit cases and will take on every aspect of your claim, ensuring that your needs are met and that you receive compensation for your suffering.

Lawyers for Brachial Plexus – Should I Hire One?
Did your child suffer from a brachial plexus injury during labor and delivery?
Were they born in Chicago, Illinois, or the surrounding area?
If so, you may be dealing with new challenges and uncertainty about your child’s future and legal options and process in your area.
Understanding your rights and the possibility of seeking compensation for damages may feel overwhelming during this challenging time of your family’s life, but our experienced Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyers are here to help guide you through the process.

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What are Brachial Plexus Injuries?
Brachial plexus injuries occur when the network of nerves that runs from the spinal cord through the neck and into the shoulder, arm, and hand is damaged.
These nerves control muscle movement and sensation in the upper limbs.
This type of injuries can happen due to stretching, compression, or tearing of the nerves as a result of trauma during delivery or difficult childbirth.
A common cause is shoulder dystocia, or when the baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone, putting pressure on the nerves.
Depending on the severity, brachial plexus injuries may cause weakness, numbness, or even paralysis in the affected arm (which may be described as Erb’s palsy).
Some cases resolve on their own with time and therapy, while others may require surgery to repair the damaged nerves.
Early detection is critical.
Without proper care, brachial plexus injuries can lead to long-term disability and affect a child’s ability to use their arm normally.
Brachial Plexus Injury Lawyers in Chicago

We’re a Chicago-based birth injury law firm specializing in medical malpractice with extensive experience representing clients in cases involving brachial plexus injuries, Erb’s palsy lawsuits, and related conditions.
We have successfully litigated numerous cases where patients have experienced significant pain and suffering due to brachial plexus injuries, securing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Our expertise in this area often involves collaborating with birth injury medical experts to uncover negligence and advocate for their clients’ rights.
We focus on clients in Chicago, Illinois, and the surrounding areas.
Some examples of our medical malpractice lawsuit cases we’ve handled include settlements of $1.25 million for an undisclosed negligent failure.
What Causes Brachial Plexus Injuries?
During childbirth, brachial plexus injuries are typically caused by trauma to the baby’s shoulder area during delivery.
The most common causes include:
- Shoulder Dystocia. This type of trauma occurs when the baby’s shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother’s pelvic bone after the head has been delivered, putting pressure on the brachial plexus nerves as the baby is maneuvered out.
- Excessive Pulling. If a healthcare provider pulls too hard on the baby’s head, neck, or shoulders during delivery—especially in a difficult or obstructed birth—it can stretch or tear the nerves.
- Breech Presentation. In feet-first or bottom-first deliveries, the baby’s arms may be raised and compressed against the birth canal, increasing the risk of nerve injury.
- Use of Tools to Assist with Delivery. Forceps or vacuum extractors can increase pressure on the baby’s shoulder or neck area, leading to potential nerve damage.
- Large Birth Weight (macrosomia). Heavier babies are more likely to experience difficult deliveries, increasing the chances of shoulder dystocia and related injuries.
- Prolonged or Complicated Labor. Extended time in the birth canal or a rushed delivery due to fetal distress can result in nerve strain or injury.
These injuries can range from mild and temporary (like neurapraxia) to severe and permanent (nerve rupture or avulsion).
Early intervention often improves outcomes but brachial plexus injuries can have lifelong effects.
Signs and Symptoms of Brachial Plexus Injuries in Infants
Signs and symptoms of brachial plexus injuries in infants can vary depending on the severity and location of the nerve damage. Common indicators include:
- Lack of Movement in One Arm. The infant may not move the affected arm or may keep it limp and close to the body.
- Weak Grip. The baby may have a noticeably weaker grip on the affected side.
- Absence of Moro Reflex. The Moro or “startle reflex” may be missing on the injured side. This is an involuntary reaction in babies up until 3 to 6 months of age. It involves extending the arms and legs, and then quickly bringing them back in, often accompanied by crying. It’s triggered by sudden movements, loud noises, or the sensation of falling.
- Arm Held in an Abnormal Position. Typically, the arm is adducted (close to the body), with the elbow straight and the forearm turned inward (known as the “waiter’s tip” position in regard to Erb’s palsy).
- Pain or Sensitivity. The infant may cry or show signs of distress when the affected arm is touched or moved.
- Muscle Weakness or Paralysis. Ranging from partial to complete, depending on the extent of the injury.
- Decreased Reflexes. Particularly in the shoulder, arm, or hand.
If you notice any of these symptoms after birth, prompt medical evaluation is important to diagnose the injury and begin treatment early for the best possible outcome.
Is My Child at Risk for a Brachial Plexus Injury?
Your child may be at a higher risk for a brachial plexus injury if certain factors are present during pregnancy or delivery. Common risk factors include:
- Large Birth Weight (Macrosomia). Babies weighing over 8 lbs. 13 oz. are more prone to shoulder dystocia during delivery.
- Prolonged or Difficult Labor. Extended second stage of labor or the need for excessive force and tools to assist in delivery can increase risk.
- Shoulder Dystocia. When the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone during birth, the nerves can stretch or be compressed.
- Breech Delivery. In feet-first or bottom-first deliveries, the arms can be stretched unnaturally.
- Use of Delivery Tools. Forceps or vacuum extraction devices can add pressure to the baby’s neck or shoulders.
- Maternal Diabetes. Increases the likelihood of a larger baby and delivery complications.
- Previous Brachial Plexus Injury. If a prior child suffered from a brachial plexus injury at birth, the risk may be higher in subsequent births.
While these factors increase the likelihood of you child suffering a birth injury, brachial plexus injuries can still occur in births without any known complications.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for Brachial Plexus Injury Lawyers
How common are brachial plexus injuries?
Brachial plexus injuries occur in approximately 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 live births in the United States. While many cases resolve on their own, about 10% to 20% may result in long-term impairment or require surgical intervention.
How do I know if I have a valid malpractice claim related to my child’s brachial plexus injury?
You may have a valid malpractice claim if your child’s brachial plexus injury was caused by medical negligence, such as improper use of force during delivery, failure to recognize or manage shoulder dystocia, or not responding appropriately to delivery complications.
A successful claim requires proof that the healthcare provider’s actions deviated from the standard of care and directly caused the injury. Consulting with a birth injury attorney can help determine if your case meets the legal criteria for malpractice and help you negotiate a settlement or trial process.
Who’s liable for brachial plexus injuries?
Liability for brachial plexus injuries typically falls on the healthcare provider—such as an obstetrician, other type of doctor, nurse, or midwife—if their actions during labor and delivery deviate from the accepted medical standard of care.
In some cases, the hospital or medical facility may also be held responsible for inadequate staffing, training, or supervision. A thorough legal and medical review is usually needed to determine exactly who is liable.
Why do infants suffer from brachial plexus injuries?
Infants suffer from brachial plexus injuries most often due to excessive stretching or compression of the nerves during a difficult or traumatic delivery, especially when the shoulders become stuck (shoulder dystocia) or force is applied improperly. These injuries can occur even in otherwise normal births, but are more likely with factors like large birth weight, breech position, or use of delivery-assisting tools.
What are the risk factors for brachial plexus injuries?
Risk factors for brachial plexus injuries in infants include large birth weight, shoulder dystocia, prolonged or difficult labor, breech presentation, and the use of delivery tools like forceps or vacuum extractors. Maternal diabetes, obesity, and a history of brachial plexus injury in a previous child also increase the risk.
I think my child may have a brachial plexus injury. What are the signs and symptoms?
Signs your child may have a brachial plexus injury include limited or no movement in one arm, a weak grip, and the arm being held in an unusual position, often limp or turned inward. The baby may also show decreased reflexes or seem distressed when the affected arm is touched or moved.
How do healthcare professionals diagnose brachial plexus injuries?
Healthcare professionals diagnose brachial plexus injuries through a physical exam assessing arm movement, muscle strength, and reflexes, often supplemented by imaging tests like MRI or nerve conduction studies to evaluate nerve damage. Brachial plexus injuries can lead to Erb’s palsy, a condition characterized by weakness or paralysis of the arm affected.
Can brachial plexus injuries be cured or healed?
Many brachial plexus injuries in infants heal partially or fully with time and physical therapy, especially mild cases. However, severe injuries may require surgery, and some may result in permanent nerve damage or limited function.
Looking for a Brachial Plexus Injury Lawyer in Chicago, Illinois?
Do you think you have a lawsuit claim based on a brachial plexus injury that occurred during childbirth in Illinois?
If you are located in Chicago or the surrounding areas, contact the experienced Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyers today.
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Legally Reviewed By

Adam J. Zayed
Adam J. Zayed, the founder and managing trial attorney of Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyers, and a nationally recognized and award-winning personal injury and medical malpractice trial attorney.

Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyers
833 W Chicago Ave., Suite 303
Chicago, IL 60642
Tel: 312.883.6907
Fax: 312.481.7927