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Michigan Brachial Plexus Injury Attorneys

When a Birth Injury Changes Everything

Bringing a child into the world is one of life’s most joyful moments. But if you’re here, something didn’t feel right. Instead of peace and celebration, you may be left with fear, guilt, and questions that won’t go away. Was this normal? Did something go wrong during delivery? Could it have been prevented?

You’re not alone in wondering these things. Many parents of children with brachial plexus injuries carry a heavy weight, believing they should have noticed something sooner or done something differently. The truth is, these injuries are often the result of preventable medical mistakes, not something you did or didn’t do.

Some brachial plexus injuries are unavoidable, but others happen because of preventable errors during labor and delivery. If you suspect negligence played a role in your child’s injury, you have the right to get answers and to hold the responsible parties accountable.

At Buchanan Firm, we’ve walked alongside families across Michigan facing the same shock and uncertainty. Our team of Michigan birth injury lawyers has over 85 years of combined experience, so we understand how overwhelming this is. That’s why we make your first step simple and free: tell us your story. We will listen, review what happened, consult with trained, trusted medical professionals, and help you find the clarity your family deserves.

The most important thing to remember is you did not cause this. Parents often blame themselves, replaying moments during pregnancy or delivery. But brachial plexus injuries are medical in nature, and if negligence was involved, the responsibility lies with the professionals and systems entrusted with your care.

Michigan law limits the time you have to act, and medical records can be lost or altered. Acting now protects your rights, so tell us your story. If negligence played a role in your child’s injury, we’ll guide you through your options with no pressure and no cost because every family deserves answers and justice.

You owe it to your child to find out what happened. Michigan law limits the time you have to act, and medical records can be lost or altered. Acting now protects your rights, so tell us your story. The call is free, the review is confidential, and the answers may give you peace of mind you’ve been searching for.

What Is a Brachial Plexus Injury?

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that runs from the spinal cord through the neck and shoulder, controlling movement and sensation in the arm and hand. When these nerves are stretched, compressed, or torn during delivery, it can cause serious and sometimes permanent damage.

One of the most recognized conditions caused by this injury is Erb’s Palsy, where a child may struggle to move their arm, grip objects, or reach developmental milestones. Some injuries may heal over time with therapy. Others result in lifelong challenges that affect independence and quality of life.

Parents often first notice the signs at home: one arm that doesn’t move like the other, weakness in the hand, or a child who seems behind in physical development. These are not just quirks or delays. They may be the result of a preventable injury during birth.

At Buchanan Firm, we consult with trusted medical experts to uncover the cause and determine whether negligence may have played a role. Understanding the truth is not about blame. It’s about ensuring your child has access to the treatment, therapy, and resources they need for the best possible future.

A newborn baby lies on a hospital bed, partially visible through the glass of an incubator.

What Causes Brachial Plexus Injuries During Birth?

Most parents assume a difficult birth is just bad luck. But in many cases, brachial plexus injuries are the result of preventable mistakes made in the delivery room. These injuries often happen when doctors or nurses fail to respond quickly, use too much force, or miss clear warning signs.

Some of the most common causes of brachial plexus injuries include:

Shoulder dystocia

when a baby’s shoulder gets stuck during delivery and excessive pulling or twisting is used instead of safe techniques.

Misuse of delivery tools

forceps or vacuum extractors can stretch or tear delicate nerves if handled improperly.

Delayed or missed C-section

waiting too long to perform a cesarean when complications are clear can put unnecessary strain on the baby’s nerves.

Excessive traction

pulling too hard on the baby’s head, neck, or shoulders during birth.

Failure to recognize risk factors

such as large birth weight, breech position, or prolonged labor.

In Michigan, state data shows that shoulder dystocia complicates around 0.2–0.3% of live births, making it a rare but serious emergency that can lead to lifelong nerve damage if not handled properly.

When these errors happen, the results can be devastating, leaving a child with permanent nerve damage and a family with more questions than answers. Asking whether negligence played a role is not overreacting. It’s a responsible step to protect your child’s future and to make sure the same mistakes don’t harm another family.

You don’t have to carry the weight of uncertainty alone. At Buchanan Firm, our legal and medical team work together to investigate what happened, explain the medical details in plain English, and guide you through your options.

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Michigan Brachial Plexus Injury FAQs

You don’t need to be certain. If something feels wrong, it’s worth asking. Many families notice limited movement in their baby’s arm or delayed development but aren’t told the full story. Our legal team, with guidance from trusted medical experts can review what happened during delivery, examine medical records, and let you know if negligence may have played a role.
This is one of the hardest parts for parents. Most claims are not about attacking an individual doctor, they are about holding hospitals and insurance companies accountable when preventable mistakes happen. Pursuing a case doesn’t mean you’re betraying trust. It means you’re protecting your child’s future.
In Michigan, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases is usually two years from the date of the injury. For children, there may be extensions that give families more time. However, the sooner you reach out, the stronger your case can be because medical records, witness accounts, and evidence are easier to preserve early.
At Buchanan Firm, the consultation is always free. And if we take your case, you don’t pay anything unless we win. There are no hourly fees or surprise bills. Our team works on a contingency basis, which means our only goal is to help your family secure the support you deserve.
Some mild injuries may improve with therapy and time, but many children are left with permanent limitations if the underlying damage was severe. That’s why understanding what happened during birth is so important. Even if healing occurs, knowing the cause helps ensure your child has access to the right treatment and support.

How Are Brachial Plexus Injuries Treated?

There isn’t a single cure, but many children improve with the right combination of therapy, medical care, and sometimes surgery. The treatment depends on how severe the nerve damage is, whether the nerves were stretched, torn, or completely severed. Some mild cases heal on their own within the first year of life, while more serious injuries may require long-term care.

Treatment for a brachial plexus injury usually involves a team of specialists who work together to support your child’s recovery. That team may include:

 

  • Pediatricians and neurologists to evaluate and monitor progress.
  • Physical and occupational therapists to strengthen movement and coordination.
  • Orthopedic surgeons or neurosurgeons if surgery becomes necessary.
  • Rehabilitation specialists who design therapy programs tailored to your child.
This team approach ensures your child gets the best chance to regain function and independence.
  • Physical therapy – Gentle exercises to keep joints flexible, improve range of motion, and prevent stiffness.
  • Occupational therapy – Helps children learn how to use the affected arm in daily activities, building confidence and independence.
  • Splints and braces – Support weakened muscles and joints during healing.
  • Nerve surgery – In severe cases, doctors may perform nerve grafts or transfers to restore movement.
  • Muscle or tendon surgery – In later stages, surgeries may help improve strength, reduce stiffness, and increase mobility.
Yes. Many families explore supportive therapies in addition to traditional medical treatment, including: pport you deserve.
  • Hydrotherapy – Using water-based exercises to improve movement and reduce pain.
  • Electrical stimulation therapy – Gentle electrical impulses to activate weak muscles and encourage nerve recovery.
  • Adaptive play and sports – Activities that encourage children to use both arms in a fun, engaging way.

Every child’s recovery is different. Some regain almost full use of their arm, while others may live with lasting limitations. What matters most is getting the right diagnosis and treatment plan early. Acting quickly gives your child the best chance to heal and adapt.

A close-up of a caregiver's hand gently holding a baby's tiny feet, with soft lighting creating a warm atmosphere.

Where Do I Start?

Begin with your child’s doctors. Early evaluation and treatment by medical specialists give the best chance for recovery. If you’re worried negligence may have played a role, Buchanan Firm can consult with medical experts on your behalf, review what happened, and guide you through your legal options.

Brachial Plexus Injury Resources for Michigan Families

Finding the right support can make a big difference as you navigate life with a brachial plexus injury diagnosis. These organizations and programs offer information, therapy connections, and community resources for families across Michigan.

National Organizations

Michigan-Specific Support

If you’re not sure where to start, Early On Michigan is often the best first step for families. They can help connect you with local programs, therapy providers, and specialists who understand your child’s unique needs.

Related Resources from Buchanan’s Blog

If your child has been diagnosed with a brachial plexus injury, you may still be looking for clarity about what happened and what comes next. These resources from the Buchanan Firm can help you better understand birth injuries, medical malpractice, and your family’s legal options:

These articles are designed to inform, calm uncertainty, and help you feel more prepared. Whenever you’re ready, our team is here to listen.

You don’t have to know whether you have a case. You don’t have to have every answer. All you need is the sense that something went wrong and the courage to ask.
At Buchanan Firm, we’ll listen, review what happened with our medical experts, and guide you through your options. There’s no fee, no pressure, and no risk — just clarity, relief, and a trusted team to walk beside you.

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