Schwalben Law Firm | Lee M. Schwalben, M.D., J.D., LLC
Call  337-557-8377 To Schedule A Free Consultation
Schwalben Law Firm | Lee M. Schwalben, M.D., J.D., LLC
337-557-8377
Experienced Attorney With Medical Background Fighting For Maximum Compensation

Brachial Plexus Injury (Beyond Erb’s Palsy) Lawyer Fighting For You

Last updated on December 29, 2025

Brachial plexus injuries are terrifying diagnoses. If you are considering pursuing a medical malpractice claim, you need a reliable birth injury attorney who can advocate for you.

This is where Lee M. Schwalben, M.D., J.D., LLC, comes in. Attorney Schwalben is a medical malpractice lawyer serving Lake Charles. He has a unique background as a lawyer who also used to be a practicing doctor. This dual experience is invaluable. He understands the medical events that lead to severe birth injury medical malpractice cases. As your ally, he will fight hard for your family’s financial recovery and lifetime care costs.

All About Brachial Plexus Medical Malpractice Claims

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that control movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm and hand. A brachial plexus injury damages this network. Brachial plexus medical malpractice claims revolve around whether the medical staff met the expected standard of care. To win a medical malpractice claim, your brachial plexus injury attorney must prove that the provider’s failure directly caused the neonatal nerve damage.

What Are The Leading Causes Of Brachial Plexus Injuries In Infants?

Brachial plexus injuries in newborns often result from excessive force or stretching during delivery. These birth injuries can lead to different levels of damage, from temporary nerve bruising to severe nerve avulsion. Common causes of brachial plexus injuries include:

  • Improperly handling shoulder dystocia

  • Excessive traction on the baby’s head or neck during delivery

  • Delayed cesarean section despite signs of fetal distress

  • Improper use of a forceps, vacuum extractor or another delivery tool

  • Mishandling a breech birth

These errors can lead to permanent brachial plexus injury such as Klumpke’s palsy, Erb’s palsy or total arm palsy.

Do Newborns Ever Recover From Brachial Plexus Injuries?

Recovery depends on the type and severity of the neonatal nerve damage. Mild injuries, where the nerve is only stretched, often heal completely within a few months. More severe injuries involving a tear or scar tissue formation may require surgery and physical therapy. The most severe injury is a nerve avulsion, where the nerve is torn from the spinal cord. Avulsions carry a poor prognosis and often result in permanent brachial plexus injury.

What Is The Deadline To File A Brachial Plexus Injury Claim In Louisiana?

Louisiana has a strict statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice claim. In most cases, you have one year from the date of the malpractice or the date you discover the injury. However, you must file a claim no later than three years from the date the malpractice occurred. Always speak with a brachial plexus injury attorney as soon as possible.

Talk To A Louisiana Medical Malpractice Attorney: Free Consultations

Attorney Schwalben is a committed brachial plexus injury attorney. He has the unique insight to seek the financial recovery needed for your child’s care costs. He offers free consultations and charges no fees up-front. To reach him, please call 337-557-8377 or use his online contact form.