When parents hear that their child has suffered a nerve-related injury at birth, the terms can be overwhelming and confusing: brachial plexus, spinal cord, nerve damage, paralysis. These birth injuries are often the start of a life-altering journey, filled with uncertainty, decisions, and the need for answers. At Stalwart Law Group, we help families navigate what comes next, and part of that work means helping you understand the differences in your childโs diagnosis โ especially when it comes to brachial plexus injuries versus spinal cord injuries at birth.
Letโs break it down.
Brachial Plexus Injuries: What They Are
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that controls movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, and hand. It originates at the spinal cord in the neck and extends through the shoulder and into the arm.
How Do Brachial Plexus Injuries Happen?
In the delivery room, these injuries often happen when:
- The babyโs shoulder becomes stuck behind the motherโs pelvic bone (a condition called shoulder dystocia)
- There is excessive pulling on the babyโs head or neck during delivery
- There is improper use of tools like forceps or vacuum extractors
Common Outcomes of Brachial Plexus Injury
- Weakness or paralysis in one arm
- Loss of sensation or motor control
- A condition called Erbโs Palsy, which affects movement in the upper arm and shoulder
Can It Be Permanent?
Yes. While some babies regain function with physical therapy and time, severe cases may lead to permanent nerve damage, requiring surgery or lifelong assistance.
Spinal Cord Injuries at Birth: What They Are
Spinal cord injuries are much more severe, affecting the central nervous system that controls movement and sensation throughout the entire body.
How Do Spinal Cord Injuries Occur During Birth?
- Excessive traction or twisting of the babyโs neck during delivery
- Misuse of delivery-assist devices (like forceps or vacuum)
- Medical negligence in handling a difficult or traumatic delivery
Common Outcomes of Spinal Cord Injury
- Paralysis in the lower or entire body
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Severe developmental delays
Key Medical Differences
| Brachial Plexus Injury | Spinal Cord Injury |
| Affects peripheral nerves | Affects central nervous system |
| Usually localized to one arm | Can impact entire body below injury |
| Often recoverable with therapy | Often permanent and more disabling |
| Less life-threatening | Higher risk of life-altering disability |
Why the Legal Approach Differs
Both injuries can result from medical malpractice during childbirth. But how the law treats them can differ โ and so can your path to justice.
1. Experts Required
- Brachial plexus cases often require orthopedic surgeons and nerve specialists
- Spinal cord cases typically demand testimony from neurologists, rehabilitation experts, and others
At Stalwart Law Group, we work with top-tier experts in both fields to build medically accurate and thorough cases from day one.
2. Proving Negligence
In either case, the challenge is showing that the injury wasnโt simply a risk of childbirth, but the result of avoidable medical error. That means:
- Proving deviations from the standard of care
- Demonstrating that improper delivery technique caused the injury
- Linking the injury directly to the conduct of the provider or hospital
How We Help Families With Nerve and Spinal Birth Injuries
Weโve helped families across California and beyond pursue justice for both types of injuries. Whether the case centers on a preventable brachial plexus injury or a devastating spinal cord injury at birth, we handle each one with:
- Urgency and precision, because time is critical for securing evidence
- Empathy, because we understand whatโs at stake for your family
- Results, because weโve recovered millions for families impacted by birth trauma
Call for a Free Legal Review
If your child suffered a nerve or spinal injury at birth, we encourage you to reach out. You donโt need all the answers right now โ just the right people asking the right questions.
Schedule a free consultation with our team. Letโs figure out what happened, what went wrong, and what justice could look like for your family.
