Birth injuries have longterm complications. This is especially true for parents of a child with a brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI). Many don’t realize that an entire family’s future becomes impacted. This is from years of physical therapy to the future treatment of possible mental health issues. These needs can drive families into financial ruin. What makes it increasingly unbearable is the possibility that a medical error or a doctor’s negligence cause BPBI.
About Brachial Plexus Birth Injury
Brachial Plexus Birth Injury (BPBI) occurs in twice in every 1,000 births. During delivery, a baby’s shoulder becomes stuck, and the head pulls away from the shoulder. Some refer to it as a “stretch injury”. However, sometimes the nerves tear, creating long-term damage. This damage can be shoulder weakness, elbow flexion or shoulder rotation issues. In some instances, the infant will need to undergo primary nerve surgery.
Lifetime Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries
After receiving a diagnosis of BPBI, many families hear that they need to just accept the physical limitations their child will have. In fact, one of their arms may always be smaller than the other and hang while being active. Then, within weeks of receiving this devasting news, parents must bring their child to receive painful physical therapy. The therapist will stretch and help loosen stiff joints. If this does not work, the child could need nerve, tendon or shoulder surgery. This isn’t a one time fix but a continual need for surgeries and physical therapies for a lifetime all due to medical negligence.
Mental Illness
Besides the physical aspect of BPBI, studies have found that those with this birth injury are at a higher risk of developing mental health issues as a teenager. PLOS One published a study analyzing data on more than 600,000 Swedish children. Researchers discovered that the 1,600 kids with BPBI used anti-depressants or other mental health medications more frequently than their peers. BPBI is preventable if health care providers take greater care.
Costs Associated with Birth Injuries
Birth injuries are often lifelong complications that require consistent medical treatment and rehabilitation. Depending on the severity of the injuries, the financial costs associated with birth injuries can range from several thousand to over a million during the lifespan of a child with birth injuries.
For instance, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the lifetime costs associated with a child who has cerebral palsy (CP) is around $1 million. The costs associated with a child who suffers hearing loss after a birth injury typically ranges around $400,00.
It is important to remember that if your child’s birth injuries are a result of medical negligence and carelessness, the medical staff, hospital, and/or physician may be liable for damages. A complex litigation attorney can help. At The Michael Brady Lynch Firm, our lawyers have decades of experience helping injured people get justice and full compensation for injuries caused by negligence. The Michel Brady Lynch Firm regularly takes on the largest corporations in the world with a track record of proven success and results. Contact The Michael Brady Lynch Firm today, and our attorneys will review your case for free and help you protect your rights. For your complimentary consultation, call our office now.