“Biker’s Arm:” What it is and Why it Matters in a Motorcycle Accident Case

Motorcycle accidents often result in horrific injuries that are visibly striking. Some injuries, however, can lead to serious consequences even when they look insignificant or seem minor. A condition called “biker’s arm” is one such injury.

It is very tough to walk away from a motorcycle accident without some injuries, but bikers often assume their injuries are mild. That’s because the adrenaline that courses through the body after a crash masks pain and other symptoms of injuries. When injuries do become apparent, many bikers just assume the injuries will heal with time.

But that often proves to be a false assumption. Injuries like biker’s arm can leave an accident victim with long-term disabilities that can interfere with the ability to work and undertake many of the tasks of daily living—including riding. If the accident was caused by someone else’s irresponsible behavior, it makes sense to work with an attorney to hold them accountable and recover compensation to offset the effects and meet future needs.

What is Biker’s Arm?

The term “biker’s arm” is used to describe different types of injuries to the brachial plexus nerve system. The brachial plexus is an intricate network of nerves that arises from the spinal cord and innervates the shoulder, arm, and hand. This network is organized somewhat like a tree with roots, trunks, and numerous branches of varying sizes. The larger of these are referred to as divisions and cords. Key nerves that are part of this network include:

• The radial nerve that controls the wrist and forearm and allows extension of the wrist and elbow
• The long thoracic nerve that stabilizes the scapula
• The median nerve that allows movement of the forearm and hand and facilitates fine motor skills
• The musculocutaneous nerve that enables elbow flexion
• The ulnar nerve that controls the muscles of the hand and is essential for controlling the precise movement of the fingers
• The suprascapular nerve that controls the rotator cuff muscles
• Axillary nerve, which is responsible for shoulder movement

Although biker’s arm involves nerve damage to the upper arm, the effects are often felt in the lower parts of the arm and hand.

How Biker’s Arm Occurs

Motorcycle accidents cause damage to the brachial plexus in many different ways, but some are more common than others. Often, these injuries occur when bikers realize they are failing and reach out an arm to protect their heads and brace for the fall. The force of hitting the road, a vehicle, or an object severely damages the nerves.

In other cases, this damage occurs when the heavy motorcycle lands on the arm, crushing it. Nerves can be compressed, torn, or stretched far beyond their capacity.

Symptoms of Biker’s Arm

The symptoms of injuries to the brachial plexus nerves can show up immediately, but often they do not appear until days or even weeks after a motorcycle accident. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as you notice symptoms, and be sure to explain to the doctor that you were in a motorcycle crash.

Some common signs of damage to brachial plexus nerves are:

• Reduced sensation in the upper arm or shoulder
• Tingling (a pins and needles sensation) or burning anywhere throughout the arm or hand
• Numbness anywhere in fingers, hand, or arm
• Loss of grip strength or reduction in fine motor control of the hand
• Difficulty moving any part of the arm

Delaying treatment can allow the injury to grow worse. It also makes it more difficult to recover compensation to cover the cost of treatment and the effects of the injuries. The longer you delay in seeking medical attention, the easier it is for the insurance company to argue that someone else caused the injury or that the effects are not as bad as you claim.

Long-Term Effects of Biker’s Arm

Damage to the brachial plexus nerve network can be permanent. In addition to the inability to fully control the arm or hand, the damage can lead to chronic muscle weakness and atrophy of muscles, as well as chronic pain. These effects often grow worse over time.

Someone who works with their hands in a job that requires fine motor skills may be unable to continue with their job and find it difficult to acquire new skills. Fine motor skills are essential in a tremendous array of work environments, from office jobs to mechanical positions to medical professions. Performing simple daily tasks such as preparing food or brushing your teeth can become extremely difficult and time-consuming when nerve damage interferes with the use of your hand.

Recovering Compensation to Offset the Losses

The cost of biker’s arm extends far beyond the immediate medical bills. Injured riders often find it difficult to earn a living and need help or specialized equipment to manage self-care. Compensation from a motorcycle accident claim can help cover these costs, as well as past and future medical expenses. In addition, a skilled attorney can work to recover compensation to offset pain, suffering, and the damage to quality of life caused by the nerve damage.

However, recovery from any of the effects of the brachial plexus is not automatic after a motorcycle accident. It requires extensive legal effort to establish that someone else’s conduct was responsible for causing the crash and that the crash resulted in long-term injuries.

Work with a Legal Team that is Prepared to Fight for Your Recovery

After a motorcycle accident, the insurance company will be making a tremendous number of arguments disputing everything from the cause of the accident to the existence of your injuries. They will bring in a team of experienced defense lawyers to deny liability or trick the accident victim into accepting a small amount that does not cover the future effects of the injuries.

To receive fair treatment, victims must fight back with their own experienced attorneys. At DeKeyzer Law, we know how to work effectively to secure full compensation for all the effects of your injuries from motorcycle accidents. To discuss how we may be able to help with your situation, contact us online or by calling 713-904-4004 to schedule a free consultation.