Erb’s Palsy
US, Canada and Puerto Rico
Erb’s Palsy is commonly caused by nerve damage during birth. Many cases are due to over-stretching of an infant’s brachial plexus (a network of nerves) when they are born. If you have given birth to a child with Erb’s Palsy, please contact the law office of birth injury lawyers Balkin & Eisbrouch, LLC today.
About Erb’s Palsy
Erb’s Palsy is caused by an injury to the brachial plexus, the bundle of nerves that runs from the newborn’s spine to their shoulder, and then down the arm. This condition is a form of brachial plexus palsy that results in limited movement in the upper body, particularly around the shoulder and down the arm.
Erb’s Palsy can result in four different types of nerve injuries:
- Avulsion: when the nerve is torn from the spine
- Rupture: when the nerve is torn, but not where it attaches to the spine
- Neuroma: when the nerve has tried to heal, but the scar tissue has put pressure on the injured nerve
- Praxis: when the nerve is been damaged but not torn, and improvement can be seen within approximately three months
Some Erb’s Palsy victims do not have any muscle control and no feeling in their arms or hands. Other can move their arms but have little control in their wrists and hands. Some sufferers may be able to use their hands but are unable to use their elbows and shoulders.
Some common symptoms of Erb’s Palsy include:
- Infant’s inability to move his or her arms
- Lack of muscle control
- Uncontrolled movement in the arms
- Limpness
- Upper body paralysis
- Paralysis in one or more limbs
- Lack of sensation in the arms or hands
- Low muscle tone or strength
Erb’s palsy can be caused by medical malpractice if a doctor or nurse is negligent during the childbirth process. It can be the result of a large newborn, when forceps or a vacuum must be used to deliver the baby. Most cases are caused when a medical professional over-stretches the infant during delivery.
Shoulder Dystocia
During labor and birth, an infant’s shoulder may become stuck on its mother’s pelvic bone while traveling through the birth canal. This condition is called shoulder dystocia. Friction is required to dislodge the baby, while keeping the head supported. Excessive traction can cause nerve damage, which leads to Erb’s Palsy.
Other factors that can result in Erb’s Palsy include:
- Failure to estimate the baby's weight prior to delivery
- Failure to inform parents of the risks of vaginally delivering a large infant
- Failure to perform appropriate delivery techniques
- Failure to perform a Cesarean section (C-Section)
Regardless of the cause of your child’s Erb’s palsy, you need an experienced, knowledgeable lawyer on your side who has expert medical professionals at his disposal to present testimony in your case. If your doctor did not take the time to explain what happened to your child, we will.
No newborn should suffer a birth injury because of a doctor or nurse’s negligence. If your child was born with Erb’s Palsy, please contact the birth injury attorneys at Balkin & Eisbrouch, LLC. Serving clients nationwide, and also in Puerto Rico and Canada, our experienced attorneys will fight to win you the damages you deserve.
