Klumpke’s palsy is often referred to as a birth injury due to the fact that it commonly results from a difficult birth delivery. It consists of a medical condition in which the baby’s lower arm, wrist, and hand are negatively affected due to nerve damage. Symptoms associated with this condition can range from the mild and temporary to one of permanent disability, depending on how badly the nerve damage was.
If you have a child that has been born with Klumpke’s palsy and you believe the condition was caused by medical mistakes, you may have a medical malpractice case. You should seek legal counsel and guidance as to what your options may be and how to proceed. At the Law Offices of David A. Kates, PLLC in New York, you can work with an attorney who has focused much of his practice in this field and has the experience to handle these complex cases.
Contact us at (718) 866-3664 to set up a free, initial consultation about your case.
More About Klumpke’s Palsy
Klumpke’s palsy is caused by damage that is specific to the brachial plexus nerves. These are nerves that are located from the spine through the side of the neck through the armpit and down into the arm. These nerves give the arm, wrist, and hand sensation and the ability to move. When these nerves become damaged, such as through a birth injury, it can result in Klumpke’s palsy, also referred to as brachial plexus palsy. The damage that is caused to the nerves can range from mild to severe. Such damage can consist of stretching, scarring, tearing of the nerves while they remain in place, and tearing of the nerves off of the spine.
The causes of this condition can be many, including a birth that involves the stretching and pulling of nerves, improper use of delivery methods, such as with forceps, a breech baby or a baby in some other difficult position in the birth canal, and other complications.
The symptoms that a baby may display can include the following:
- The lower arm is limp
- The baby has a compromised ability to move the arm or hand
- Some type of paralysis in the affected arm/hand
- Pain in the affected area
- The muscles in the affected area are weak or atrophied
- The baby has what is referred to as a “claw” hand with tightened fingers
- Loss of sensation in the arm/hand
- The body holds its arm in an unusual manner, often with the palm turned outward.
Treatment for Klumpke’s Palsy
Generally, some type of treatment is required for a baby to recover from this condition. In the mildest cases, caused by the nerves being stretched, treatments of massage and physical therapy can resolve it usually in a matter of months. Splints may also be required to hold the affected hand/arm in the right alignment. In more serious cases, surgery may be required to repair a torn nerve, remove scar tissue, or handle other issues associated with the condition.
Talk to An Attorney at the Law Offices of David A. Kates, PLLC
In some cases, Klumpke’s palsy occurs in a newborn without medical malpractice having been the cause. In other cases, the underlying cause could be an action or failure to take action on the part of a medical professional. You will need to discuss the details of your case with an attorney who is experienced in handling birth injury cases, who knows how to thoroughly investigate the facts, and who can apply trial skills where needed in seeking your best interests in a claim or lawsuit. At the Law Offices of David A. Kates, PLLC, we have concentrated on providing caring and knowledgeable legal representation to clients who had been harmed through negligence.
Your case starts with a free consultation. Call us at (718) 866-3664 to get started today.