Klumpke palsy is a birth injury that occurs when the lower brachial plexus nerves are damaged during delivery, typically due to excessive pulling on the baby’s arm or shoulder. This injury can result in weakness, paralysis, or loss of sensation in the hand and forearm, impacting a child’s ability to perform everyday tasks. In severe cases, Klumpke palsy can lead to long-term impairment.

At Wagner Reese, LLP, we understand how devastating a birth injury like Klumpke palsy can be for both the child and their family. Our birth injury law firm will leave no stone unturned to prove the liability of the negligent medical providers and recover the largest possible compensation for you. We take pride in making a real difference in the lives of the families we represent.

With over $300 million recovered in settlements and verdicts, our Indianapolis birth injury attorneys have earned recognition from prestigious organizations such as Super Lawyers®, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, The Best Lawyers in America©, and U.S. News & World Report. 

Photo of a New Born Baby

Potential Birth Injuries Resulting from Klumpke Palsy

Klumpke palsy birth injuries may include:

  • Paralysis or Weakness: Damage to the lower brachial plexus nerves can result in partial or complete paralysis of the hand and forearm.
  • Loss of Sensation: Affected infants may experience numbness or reduced feeling in the arm, wrist, or fingers.
  • Muscle Atrophy: Over time, the weakened muscles in the affected arm may shrink due to lack of movement.
  • Claw Hand Deformity: Severe cases can cause the fingers to curl into a claw-like position, limiting the child’s ability to grasp or perform fine motor tasks.
  • Chronic Pain: Some children may develop persistent pain due to nerve damage.
    Early intervention, including physical therapy, surgery, or nerve grafts, may be necessary to improve function and mobility.

How Klumpke Palsy Is Diagnosed

Doctors diagnose Klumpke palsy through physical examination and medical imaging, including:

  • Clinical Assessment: Checking the baby’s range of motion, reflexes, and muscle tone to determine the severity of weakness or paralysis in the affected limb.
  • Electromyography (EMG) & Nerve Conduction Studies: Evaluating nerve function and identifying the extent of damage by measuring the electrical activity in muscles and the speed of nerve signal transmission.
  • MRI or CT Scan: Detecting structural abnormalities or nerve damage by providing detailed imaging of the brachial plexus and surrounding tissues to assess any compression, stretching, or tearing.

Early diagnosis is vital for timely intervention, improved long-term outcomes, and determining the best course of treatment, such as physical therapy, nerve repair surgery, or other rehabilitative measures.

How Medical Negligence Can Cause Klumpke Palsy

Klumpke palsy usually results from excessive force during childbirth, especially in cases of:

  • Improper Use of Birth-Assisting Tools: Excessive pulling with forceps or vacuum extractors can overstretch the baby’s brachial plexus nerves.
  • Failure to Recognize Shoulder Dystocia: When the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pelvis, improper delivery techniques can cause nerve damage.
  • Excessive Traction: Pulling too hard on the baby’s arm during vaginal delivery can overstretch or tear the brachial plexus nerves.
  • Delayed or Improper C-Section: Failing to perform a timely Cesarean section (C-section) in difficult deliveries can increase the risk of nerve injury.
  • Lack of Prenatal Monitoring: Failure to recognize risk factors, such as maternal diabetes or fetal macrosomia (large baby size), can lead to complications that result in Klumpke palsy.

Steps Our Indianapolis Klumpke Palsy Attorneys Take to Maximize Your Compensation

At Wagner Reese, our birth injury attorneys take a strategic, aggressive approach to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. We leave no stone unturned when fighting for justice in Klumpke palsy birth injury cases.

  • Comprehensive Case Evaluation: We begin by thoroughly reviewing your medical records, consulting medical experts, and identifying any signs of negligence that led to your child’s injury.
  • Medical Panel Review: In Indiana, medical malpractice claims must go through a Medical Panel Review before proceeding to court. We prepare compelling evidence, expert testimony, and strong arguments to present before the panel, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
  • Evidence Collection & Expert Testimony: We gather critical evidence, including fetal monitoring data, delivery room reports, and testimony from obstetricians and neurologists, to prove the healthcare provider’s breach of duty.
  • Aggressive Negotiations: Insurance companies will try to minimize your claim, but we negotiate from a position of strength, ensuring you receive the maximum settlement possible.
  • Trial-Ready Litigation: If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we take your case to trial, leveraging our extensive courtroom experience and strong track record to fight for the justice your family deserves.

With Wagner Reese on your side, you can focus on your child’s recovery while we handle the battle for compensation. Get Klumpke palsy legal help today. To schedule your free consultation, call us at (888) 204-8440 or contact us online.