San Antonio Klumpke’s Palsy Lawyer
Dedicated legal guidance from our Klumpke’s palsy attorney in San Antonio
Klumpke's Palsy, a type of brachial plexus injury, can have a significant impact on a child's life and the well-being of the family. If your child has been diagnosed with Klumpke's Palsy due to medical negligence or malpractice during childbirth, you deserve answers, accountability, and compensation. The experienced team at the Law Offices of Pat Maloney is here to guide you through the legal process, fight for your rights, and help you secure the resources needed to support your child's care and future. Talk to our San Antonio Klumpke’s palsy attorney today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Klumpke’s palsy?
Klumpke’s palsy is a form of brachial plexus injury that affects the lower nerves of the brachial plexus. It typically occurs during childbirth when there is excessive stretching or pressure on the baby's head, neck, or shoulder area, leading to injury to the brachial plexus nerves.
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that extends from the spinal cord in the neck to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Klumpke's palsy in newborns specifically involves damage to the lower brachial plexus nerves, including the eighth cervical (C8) and first thoracic (T1) nerves.
What are the symptoms of Klumpke’s palsy?
The symptoms of Klumpke's palsy typically include:
- Weakness or paralysis of the muscles in the hand and forearm.
- Loss of sensation in the hand and forearm.
- Difficulty or inability to move the fingers and hand.
- Claw-like deformity of the hand, where the fingers are flexed and the hand appears to be in a claw-like position.
- Impaired reflexes in the affected arm and hand.
These symptoms can vary in severity depending on the extent of the nerve damage.
How does Klumpke’s palsy happen in San Antonio?
Klumpke's palsy in newborns typically occurs as a result of injury to the brachial plexus during childbirth. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that originates in the neck and extends into the arm, controlling movement and sensation. Klumpke's palsy specifically affects the lower portion of the brachial plexus.
Several factors can contribute to the development of Klumpke's palsy in newborns:
- Klumpke's palsy often occurs during difficult or complicated deliveries, such as when the baby's shoulder becomes impacted behind the mother's pubic bone (shoulder dystocia) or when excessive force is applied during delivery.
- During childbirth, if the infant's shoulder or arm is pulled or stretched excessively, it can cause damage to the nerves of the brachial plexus, leading to Klumpke's palsy.
- Infants with a larger birth weight may be at higher risk for experiencing difficulties during delivery, including shoulder dystocia, which can increase the likelihood of brachial plexus injuries like Klumpke's palsy.
- When the baby is in an abnormal position during delivery, such as a breech presentation, it can increase the risk of nerve injury.
- The use of forceps or vacuum extraction during delivery can increase the risk of trauma to the baby's head, neck, and shoulders, potentially leading to brachial plexus injuries.
Healthcare providers need to monitor deliveries closely and take appropriate steps to minimize the risk of birth injuries. Additionally, early recognition and intervention can improve outcomes for infants with brachial plexus injuries.
What are the treatments for Klumpke’s palsy?
Klumpke’s palsy is typically diagnosed by imaging studies like electromyograms, X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, and nerve conduction studies. The treatments include non-surgical and surgical options:
- In mild cases of Klumpke's palsy, where the nerve injury is relatively minor and there is potential for spontaneous recovery, doctors may recommend observation and monitoring of the condition over time to see if function improves without intervention.
- Physical therapy plays an important role in the treatment of Klumpke's palsy. Physical therapists can work with infants to improve muscle strength, range of motion, and motor function in the affected arm and hand. Therapy may involve gentle exercises, stretching, and activities aimed at promoting motor development.
- Occupational therapists help children with Klumpke's palsy learn skills and techniques to perform daily activities and improve hand function. They may provide adaptive devices, splints, or other assistive tools to support hand function and independence.
- In cases where the nerve injury is severe and there is little to no improvement with conservative treatments, surgical intervention may be considered. Nerve surgery aims to repair or reconstruct the damaged nerves of the brachial plexus, helping nerve regeneration and restoring function in the affected arm and hand. Surgical techniques may include nerve grafting, nerve transfers, or neurolysis (nerve decompression).
- Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections may be used to manage muscle spasticity and improve muscle balance in children with Klumpke's palsy. Botox injections can help relax overactive muscles, reduce contractures, and improve range of motion.
- In some cases, orthopedic interventions such as tendon transfers or corrective surgeries may be recommended to address joint contractures, skeletal deformities, or functional limitations associated with Klumpke's palsy.
The specific treatment approach for Klumpke's palsy should be individualized based on the child's age, overall health, severity of symptoms, and functional goals.
What is the value of my child’s San Antonio Klumpke’s palsy claim?
Determining the value of a legal claim related to San Antonio Klumpke's palsy (or any similar medical condition) requires a comprehensive assessment of various factors. These factors can include the severity of the injury, the impact on the child's life, the extent of medical treatment required, potential future medical needs, and other associated damages. Here are some key considerations:
- Medical expenses: The value of the claim may include past, current, and anticipated future medical expenses related to the treatment of Klumpke's palsy. This can include hospital bills, surgery costs, physical therapy, occupational therapy, assistive devices, medications, and any other necessary medical services.
- Lost income: If the child's parents or guardians have incurred lost income due to the need to take time off work to care for the child or attend medical appointments, this may be considered in the claim.
- Pain and suffering: Klumpke's palsy can cause physical pain, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life for the child and their family. Compensation may be sought for pain and suffering experienced as a result of the injury.
- Future expenses and losses: The long-term consequences of Klumpke's palsy, such as ongoing medical treatment, therapy, and potential limitations on future earning capacity, may be factored into the value of the claim.
It's essential to consult with a qualified attorney experienced in medical malpractice and personal injury law to evaluate the specifics of the case, assess the damages, and determine the appropriate course of action. A San Antonio Klumpke’s palsy attorney can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for fair compensation on behalf of your child and your family. Remember, each case is unique, and the value of the claim will depend on the individual circumstances involved.
Do you have a San Antonio Klumpke’s palsy attorney near me?
The Law Offices of Pat Maloney is located at 239 E Commerce St. in the center of Downtown San Antonio, TX. We are the owner of one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in San Antonio and there’s plenty of parking nearby. If you cannot travel, we can arrange a phone or video conference, or an in-hospital visit.
Talk to our San Antonio Klumpke’s palsy lawyer today to help your family
Are you facing the challenges of Klumpke's palsy in your child's life? You deserve answers, support, and justice. If you suspect medical negligence during childbirth has caused your child's Klumpke's palsy, don't navigate this journey alone. Our seasoned San Antonio Klumpke’s palsy lawyer understands the complexities of birth injury cases and is here to advocate for you and your child's rights. Our team is committed to holding responsible parties accountable and securing the compensation your family deserves. To speak to an attorney today, call our offices or fill out our contact form.