What Is the Average Settlement for a Brachial Plexus Injury?

A brachial plexus injury can bring life-altering physical pain and challenges that affect daily life, work, and relationships. Financial stability becomes a significant concern for those affected, with questions about medical bills, ongoing care, and loss of income.

While settlements can never erase the hardship, they can provide the resources to address these challenges.

The average settlement for a brachial plexus injury depends on a few factors.

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Medical expenses and long-term care

Brachial plexus injuries often involve high medical costs, including surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and follow-up care. The settlement usually covers both current and future medical needs.

A patient who needs multiple surgeries or specialized ongoing therapy will require a settlement amount sufficient to pay for these additional expenses.

Non-economic damages

Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life also factor into settlements. These are harder to quantify but are no less significant. Someone who can no longer pick up their children or participate in hobbies due to their injury may receive additional compensation to reflect those losses.

Circumstances behind the injury

How the injury occurred can also affect a settlement. Clear instances of negligence, such as preventable birth injuries or surgical errors, may result in higher payouts. Demonstrating negligence requires strong evidence, such as medical records, timelines, and witness accounts. Cases where negligence is easy to prove are often resolved with higher settlements.

What to Expect in Terms of Settlement

There is no fixed amount for these cases. Some settlements land in the tens of thousands of dollars, while others reach millions. Each case is unique, requiring a detailed analysis to determine fair compensation.

Settlements aim to address both immediate and long-term financial needs, ensuring the injured person has the resources to rebuild their life as much as possible.

The Connection Between Brachial Plexus Injuries and Secondary Health Issues

Brachial plexus injuries can do more than affect the nerves in the shoulder and arm. Over time, they can lead to additional health problems that complicate recovery and long-term well-being.

These secondary issues often arise because the body compensates for the injury or struggles to adapt to changes caused by nerve damage.

Muscle weakness and atrophy

When nerve signals to certain muscles are interrupted, those muscles can weaken or shrink. This process, called atrophy, often makes daily tasks like lifting objects or even basic movements much harder.

Chronic pain and limited range of motion

Many people with brachial plexus injuries report long-term pain. This pain may occur in the injured area or surrounding parts of the body, as other muscles and joints compensate for the damaged area.

For example, a person with a restricted shoulder may begin adjusting their posture or movement to avoid discomfort. These changes often lead to stiffness, arthritis, or muscle imbalances in the neck, back, or spine.

Circulation and skin problems

Nerves regulate blood flow to muscles and skin. When a nerve is injured, it can reduce circulation to the affected area. This poor blood flow sometimes leads to symptoms like coldness, swelling, or a bluish skin discoloration.

Over time, these circulation problems can result in wounds or sores that heal slowly, adding another layer of medical concern that requires attention.

Psychological and physical fatigue

Living with a brachial plexus injury often demands more energy for everyday tasks. Performing basic functions can require extra effort, which leads to physical fatigue. This is particularly true for people who work in physically demanding jobs or rely on fine motor skills.

Over time, this fatigue can also take a toll on emotional resilience and motivation, creating a cycle of exhaustion that affects overall health.

Joint stiffness and muscle contractures

Without use, joints in the injured limb can become stiff. Reduced mobility can lead to muscle contractures, making stretching or moving the affected area harder.

A person who struggles to straighten their elbow because of nerve damage may eventually lose the ability to fully extend the arm. This secondary condition often requires physical therapy or even surgery to fix.

Preventing and managing secondary issues

Addressing secondary health problems requires proactive care. Physical therapy often helps maintain mobility and prevent long-term stiffness. Regular assessments can help monitor circulation and identify early signs of other health issues.

For some, adaptive tools or supportive therapies reduce strain on uninjured areas, preventing additional damage.

Understanding how brachial plexus injuries affect the rest of the body can help people make informed decisions about treatment and recovery. Early care and attention to these secondary issues often lead to better outcomes and fewer complications.

Unique Challenges in Pediatric Brachial Plexus Injury Cases

Brachial plexus injuries in children present unique difficulties that require special attention. Unlike adults, children are still growing and developing, which adds complexity to the injury and recovery process. These cases raise important considerations for both medical care and long-term planning.

Early diagnosis and treatment

Detecting brachial plexus injuries in infants or young children can be challenging. Newborns with this injury may show symptoms like a limp or weak arm, but parents might not immediately realize the severity.

Early treatment often leads to better outcomes, so identifying the issue quickly is critical. For instance, a baby born with a brachial plexus injury may require physical therapy within weeks to prevent stiff joints and improve mobility.

Growth and development concerns

The long-term effects of the injury are often uncertain, especially for children who are still developing. A child with nerve damage affecting one arm may experience uneven growth between their limbs. This can cause the affected arm to be smaller or shorter than the other, limiting mobility and strength.

Predicting future medical needs

Pediatric brachial plexus injuries can make it hard to predict future medical needs. Some children recover well with therapy, while others require surgeries as they grow.

For instance, a child could need tendon transfers or nerve grafts to improve function in the injured arm. Parents must plan for the possibility of multiple procedures over time, which can be emotionally and financially taxing.

The emotional impact on daily life

A brachial plexus injury can affect a child’s confidence and sense of independence. Tasks like tying shoes, writing, or carrying objects may be harder for a child with limited arm function, leading to frustration or feelings of being different from peers. These challenges can become even more noticeable as the child enters school and social activities.

Educational and adaptive support

Providing a supportive environment helps children with brachial plexus injuries thrive. Schools may need to make accommodations, such as allowing extra time for tasks or providing assistive tools.

For example, a child who struggles with handwriting might benefit from using a laptop for assignments. Parents often work closely with teachers and physical therapists to address these needs.

Long-term impacts on career and independence

The effects of a childhood brachial plexus injury can extend into adulthood. Limited arm function may influence career choices, especially for roles that require physical labor or fine motor skills.

For example, a young person with lingering mobility issues might struggle in jobs that require constant lifting or precision tasks. These long-term consequences make early intervention and planning so important.

Supporting a child with a brachial plexus injury requires proactive measures at home, at school, and in medical care. Regular therapy and adjustments in daily routines can make a significant difference.

Early attention and ongoing adaptations ensure the child has the best chance at a fulfilling and independent life. Each case is unique, but addressing these challenges with care and determination helps families move forward.

The Long-Term Financial Planning After a Brachial Plexus Injury

Brachial plexus injuries can create significant financial challenges. Beyond immediate medical bills, there are often ongoing expenses that require careful planning to manage. Creating a strategy to address these costs can help individuals and families maintain financial stability while focusing on recovery.

Assessing the full scope of medical costs

Understanding the total cost of care is an important first step. Medical expenses can include surgeries, therapy sessions, medications, and assistive devices. These costs often extend far beyond the initial treatment.

For example, someone with nerve damage might need years of physical therapy to regain function.

Keeping a detailed record of all medical bills and anticipated future costs can provide a clear picture of what lies ahead.

Accounting for lost income

For many, a brachial plexus injury makes returning to work difficult or impossible. This is particularly true for those in physically demanding jobs. If the injury leads to a reduced ability to work or a complete career change, it’s important to calculate lost earnings and potential retraining costs.

A construction worker, for instance, might switch to a less physically demanding occupation, requiring time and resources for education or certification.

Planning for long-term care

While some injuries improve over time, others result in permanent limitations. Long-term care may include ongoing physical therapy, adaptive devices, or home modifications.

For example, someone with restricted arm mobility might need a motorized wheelchair or special equipment to help with daily tasks. Ensuring these expenses are part of the financial plan can prevent surprises later.

Building a financial safety net

Unexpected costs often arise throughout recovery. Setting aside funds for emergencies can relieve financial pressure when new or unplanned expenses appear.

This might include hiring short-term assistance during recovery or replacing equipment sooner than anticipated. Creating a savings cushion can provide peace of mind during uncertain times.

Researching financial assistance programs

Some government programs, non-profits, or community resources assist those affected by long-term injuries. These might include financial aid for medical devices, grants for home modifications, or subsidized therapy sessions.

Exploring these options can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. For instance, some organizations provide free or low-cost mobility aids to those in need.

Calculating future non-medical needs

Long-term plans should account for non-medical needs as well. These might include transportation costs for regular medical appointments or part-time help with household tasks. Someone who struggles with mobility might require specialized transportation services, which could become a recurring expense.

Seeking professional financial guidance

Consulting with a financial planner who understands medical-related financial planning can help create a comprehensive and realistic plan. They can help map out current and anticipated costs, ensuring families have a clear path forward.

Sustaining financial stability

Planning for the future requires attention to detail and a proactive approach. Addressing current needs and potential future challenges ensures that individuals and families are well-prepared.

With thought-out financial planning, reducing stress, and focusing on what truly matters–recovering and rebuilding life after a brachial plexus injury is possible.

Pribanic & Pribanic Helps You Move Forward After a Brachial Plexus Injury

Cheryl Penrod, Brachial Plexus Injury Lawyer

While no amount of money can fully undo the harm caused, a fair settlement can provide the financial support necessary to focus on healing and adapting. Those pursuing a claim should remember that the settlement process is about creating a stable foundation for the future.

Ensuring that all economic and non-economic damages are properly accounted for is key to securing fair and just compensation.

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“If you have questions about brachial plexus injury case settlements, call our lawyers for help: 800-392-4529“