Philadelphia Klumpke’s Palsy Lawyer
Klumpke’s palsy is a condition that causes weakness, numbness, or total paralysis of a baby’s arm. Rightfully so, most parents become exceptionally concerned when they learn of anything seriously wrong with their newborn, including Klumpke’s palsy, which can be a result of medical malpractice. If a doctor’s error caused nerve damage resulting in Klumpke’s palsy, our Philadelphia Klumpke’s palsy lawyer at The Villari Firm, PLLC can help you prove it, enabling your child to receive the treatment he or she needs to fix the damage without causing you additional financial hardship.
What is Klumpke’s Palsy and How is it Caused During Childbirth?
Klumpke’s palsy is a medical condition caused by nerve damage to the brachial plexus, which is an important nerve group that sends signals to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Klumpke’s palsy results in numbness, tingling, and paralysis of the lower arm, hand, or within the wrist. The brachial plexus nerve group can be ripped, stretched, or torn during childbirth when:
- The baby’s head or neck is pulled sideways during a complicated head-first delivery
- The baby’s shoulder is overstretched
- Too much pressure is put on the baby’s raised arms during a feet-first delivery.
- A vacuum or forceps delivery is improperly performed
Signs of Klumpke’s Palsy
Some signs to watch out for that may indicate that your baby is suffering from Klumpke’s palsy include:
- The baby does not move the arm or the hand on that side
- The baby has weakness or cannot control that arm or hand as well as the other
- There is noticeable atrophy in the muscles of the forearm or hand
- The baby has a “claw hand” in which the forearm lies flat and the wrist and fingers are curled
- The baby has Horner’s syndrome, which is drooping of the eyelid on one side of the face
Treatments for Klumpke’s Palsy
Most cases of Klumpke’s palsy resolve on their own within a few months. During this time, the condition should be regularly monitored by the infant’s medical team, which will often prescribe gentle massage, range of motion, and other physical therapy. In moderate cases, a splint can help straighten the baby’s arm. Serious cases of Klumpke’s palsy that do not heal within six months may require surgery: nerve grafting, repairing nerves, reconstructing nerves, tendon transfer, scar tissue removal, and removal of damaged nerves. Depending on the type and scope of the surgery, a parent’s out of pocket expenses can be very high, which is another reason to consider filing a medical malpractice claim if wrongdoing occurred.
Contact a Philadelphia Klumpke’s Palsy Lawyer Today
Legally, doctors have to meet a specific standard of care when delivering babies and following up on additional treatment and monitoring. If your baby’s doctor failed to meet this standard of care, they can and should be held accountable by a medical malpractice claim or lawsuit. The Philadelphia Klumpke’s palsy lawyers here at The Villari Firm at 215-372-8889 can help you recover all of the damages caused by a doctor or hospital’s negligence, including future cost of medical care, and much more. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.
