Jacksonville Brachial Plexus Injury Attorney

If your child suffered a brachial plexus injury during birth—or if you sustained such an injury due to someone else’s negligence—you may be entitled to compensation. At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., our Jacksonville brachial plexus injury lawyers understand the devastating effects these injuries can have on your life or your child’s future. We are committed to fighting for justice and ensuring that negligent parties are held accountable.

Whether caused by medical malpractice during childbirth or a serious accident, a brachial plexus injury can result in lifelong complications, costly treatment, and emotional distress. Our experienced firm provides compassionate legal representation to families in Jacksonville, FL, and surrounding areas.

Call (904) 295-1050 or fill out our online contact form today for a free consultation with our Jacksonville brachial plexus injury attorneys.

What is a Brachial Plexus Injury?

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that originates in the spinal cord and controls movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, and hand. A brachial plexus injury occurs when these nerves are stretched, compressed, or torn. These injuries can range from mild and temporary to severe and permanent, depending on the extent of nerve damage.

Brachial plexus injuries are most commonly associated with birth trauma, particularly in difficult deliveries involving large babies, shoulder dystocia, or improper use of delivery tools. However, these injuries can also happen in car accidents, motorcycle crashes, workplace accidents, or falls.

Common Types of Brachial Plexus Injuries

There are several different types of brachial plexus injuries, classified based on the severity of nerve damage:

• Neurapraxia: This is the mildest form and involves stretching of the nerve without tearing. Most individuals recover fully within a few weeks or months.
• Neuroma: This occurs when the nerve is partially torn and heals with scar tissue. The scar tissue may interfere with nerve function, potentially requiring surgery.
• Rupture: A rupture is a more severe injury involving a complete tear of the nerve. Surgery is usually required, and full recovery is often uncertain.
• Avulsion: The most serious form, avulsion occurs when the nerve root is torn away from the spinal cord. This injury is irreversible and may lead to permanent paralysis.
• Erb’s Palsy & Klumpke’s Palsy: These are conditions caused by damage to specific parts of the brachial plexus.
  • Erb’s Palsy affects the upper nerves, causing weakness or paralysis in the shoulder and upper arm.
  • Klumpke’s Palsy affects the lower nerves, typically impacting the hand and forearm.

Common Causes of Brachial Plexus Injuries

• Shoulder dystocia (when the baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery)
• Improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction
• Excessive pulling or twisting during delivery
• Failure to perform a timely C-section in high-risk pregnancies
• Large birth weight (macrosomia) or breech births

Short- & Long-Term Impact of Brachial Plexus Injuries

The impact of a brachial plexus injury can vary significantly depending on the type and severity of the injury, as well as the effectiveness of treatment. In some cases, early intervention can lead to full or partial recovery. In others, lifelong impairment may result.

Short-Term Effects:

• Weakness or numbness in the affected arm
• Limp or paralyzed arm
• Reduced range of motion
• Pain or burning sensation in the shoulder or hand
• Delayed developmental milestones (in infants)

Long-Term Effects:

• Permanent paralysis in part or all of the arm
• Limited motor function or coordination
• Muscle atrophy
• Need for assistive devices or lifelong physical therapy
• Emotional and psychological distress
• Ongoing medical expenses and caregiving needs

In the case of birth injuries, the long-term effects can be particularly difficult for families to manage—both financially and emotionally. A successful legal claim can help cover medical costs, therapy, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

Brachial Plexus Injury Claim FAQs

How do I know if I have a brachial plexus injury claim?

If your injury or your child’s injury resulted from a medical mistake or another party’s negligence, you may have a valid legal claim. An experienced Jacksonville brachial plexus injury lawyer at Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. can evaluate your case and explain your options.

What compensation can I receive for a brachial plexus injury?

Compensation may include:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Lost wages or diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Long-term care costs (for severe injuries)

Is there a time limit to file a claim in Florida?

Yes. In Florida, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is generally two years from the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered. For personal injury claims, the limit is two years from the date of the accident (as of changes made in 2023). It is important to act quickly—delaying may prevent you from recovering any compensation.

What if my child was injured during birth?

Birth injury claims can be complex and emotional. Our team has experience handling medical malpractice claims involving infants and will work with trusted medical experts to build a strong case.

Speak with a Jacksonville Brachial Plexus Injury Lawyer Today

At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we are dedicated to helping injury victims and their families seek justice and financial security. If you or your child has suffered a brachial plexus injury, you don’t have to face the future alone. Our compassionate legal team will listen to your story, investigate the cause of the injury, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Connect with us at (904) 295-1050 for a free consultation.