Erb’s palsy, a type of brachial plexus injury, can have significant long-term effects on a child’s development and quality of life. Our birth injury attorneys understand the significant medical care and legal action that Erb’s Palsy may require. This blog is intended for parents and caregivers to understand the symptoms of this serious injury and consider legal action when appropriate.
If you believe your child has a birth injury, call the Erb’s Palsy lawyers at Magna Law Firm to discuss your case: (763) 438-3032.
What is Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s Palsy, also called Erb-Duchenne paralysis, is a nerve condition present in the shoulder and arm that results in weakness or loss of muscle function. The condition was first noted by William Smellie, a British obstetrician who described a case of “transient bilateral arm paralysis” after a difficult labor in his 1768 treatise on midwifery. Today, the condition affects between 0.9 and 2.6 of every 1,000 live births in the United States, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Erb’s palsy occurs when the network of nerves connecting the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm, and hand are damaged during childbirth. This damage can result in weakness, limited mobility, or even paralysis in the affected arm. While some cases resolve with treatment, others may lead to long-term or permanent disabilities.
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Erb’s Palsy Lawyer: Signs of Brachial Plexus Injury in Newborns
FREE CASE EVALUATION
Erb’s palsy, a type of brachial plexus injury, can have significant long-term effects on a child’s development and quality of life. Our birth injury attorneys understand the significant medical care and legal action that Erb’s Palsy may require. This blog is intended for parents and caregivers to understand the symptoms of this serious injury and consider legal action when appropriate.
If you believe your child has a birth injury, call the Erb’s Palsy lawyers at Magna Law Firm to discuss your case: (763) 438-3032.
What is Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s Palsy, also called Erb-Duchenne paralysis, is a nerve condition present in the shoulder and arm that results in weakness or loss of muscle function. The condition was first noted by William Smellie, a British obstetrician who described a case of “transient bilateral arm paralysis” after a difficult labor in his 1768 treatise on midwifery. Today, the condition affects between 0.9 and 2.6 of every 1,000 live births in the United States, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Erb’s palsy occurs when the network of nerves connecting the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm, and hand are damaged during childbirth. This damage can result in weakness, limited mobility, or even paralysis in the affected arm. While some cases resolve with treatment, others may lead to long-term or permanent disabilities.
What causes Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s palsy is a serious brachial plexus injury that results when a nerve is torn from excessive stretching of the baby’s head and neck as the infant travels down the birth canal. While certain treatment options may reduce injury severity, birth injuries like Erb’s palsy can profoundly, and permanently, affect a child’s quality of life.
For families grappling with this diagnosis, understanding both the condition and their legal rights is essential to moving forward. As birth injury lawyers, Magna Law Firm is dedicated to helping families affected by birth injuries—and securing the compensation they need.
Has your child been affected by Erb’s Palsy? Speak to an Erb’s Palsy lawyer for a free case review: (763) 438-3032.
Common Causes of Erb’s Palsy
What causes Erb’s Palsy? The vast majority of Erb’s palsy cases are preventable, as they are the result of ER and hospital mistakes during delivery. Examples of medical malpractice that can lead to this condition include:
- Improper Handling of Shoulder Dystocia: When a baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone, excessive force during delivery can stretch or tear the brachial plexus nerves.
- Failure to Perform a Necessary C-Section: Delaying or failing to perform a cesarean section in high-risk deliveries can increase the likelihood of nerve damage. Ignoring risk factors, like an abnormally large baby, can result in medical malpractice.
- Misuse of Delivery Tools: Incorrect use of forceps or vacuum extractors can cause excessive pressure on a baby’s neck or shoulders. The misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors can cause scar tissue as well as permanent damage to the infant.
- Excessive Force During Breech Delivery: Pulling on a baby’s arms or neck during a breech (feet-first) delivery can stretch or tear the brachial plexus nerves.
Confirmation of a birth injury is a nightmare scenario for a new parent—but it is nonetheless critical that all new parents be aware of the signs that may indicate this condition in newborns. Early detection and intervention can greatly improve outcomes for affected children.
If you believe your child has Erb’s Palsy, contact a medical professional immediately. To speak to a birth injury lawyer, call Magna Law Firm: (763) 438-3032.
4 Symptoms of Erb’s Palsy In Newborns
You may be wondering: How can I tell if my child has Erb’s palsy? While only a doctor can diagnose this condition, all parents and caregivers should be on the lookout for certain symptoms in their newborn babies:
Lack of Arm Movement
One of the most noticeable signs of Erb’s Palsy is limited movement in one arm, particularly in the shoulder or elbow. Severity can range from a mild immobility to full arm impairment.
Abnormal Arm, Wrist or Hand Position
The affected arm—it can affect either arm, or both simultaneously—may hang loosely by the side or be held in an unusual position. (This is often referred to as the “waiter’s tip” position.) Additionally, the baby’s wrist may be bent, and fingers may appear limp or curled.
Weakened Grip
The baby may demonstrate a weaker grip in the affected hand compared to the other. As a child develops grasping skills, this symptom may become more evident.
Poor Reflexes
Over the child’s first few months, they may demonstrate a diminished or absent Moro reflex (or “startle response”) on the affected side, which can be a telling sign. The baby may also react less to touch on the affected arm(s).
My child has Erb’s Palsy. Do I need a birth injury lawyer?
Erb’s palsy may have been the result of medical negligence during childbirth. If you suspect that your child’s condition was caused by improper handling during delivery, it may be worth consulting with a birth injury lawyer.
The birth injury lawyers at Magna Law Firm will help you understand your legal options. Erb’s palsy can have significant long-term effects on a child’s quality of life; when medical malpractice causes Erb’s palsy, families may be eligible to file a lawsuit that recovers compensation for your child’s injuries.
Erb’s palsy settlements can help families cover medical expenses, physical therapy, and assistive devices to help with recovery and mobility. Additionally, affected caregivers may be eligible for lost wages, as well as pain and suffering resulting from their child’s condition.
As birth injury lawyers, Magna Law Firm plays a crucial role in helping affected families secure the resources needed for their child’s care. We handle cases involving all types of birth injuries, including Erb’s Palsy.
Call us today for a free case review: (763) 438-3032.
Does Your Child have Erb’s Palsy? Act Quickly to Secure Your Case Value
Each state has a statute of limitations that limits how long families have to file an Erb’s palsy lawsuit. Minnesota’s statute of limitations, you have just four (4) years to file a birth injury claim from the date of injury. In cases where symptoms slow to present, this can pose a problem.
If you suspect your child has suffered a birth injury of any kind, acting promptly ensures your legal rights are protected and allows your birth injury attorney the time necessary to build a strong case.
Birth Injury? Call Magna Law Firm. As experienced birth injury lawyers, we’ll fight to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable. If your child has been diagnosed with Erb’s palsy as the result of medical negligence, contact us today for a free consultation: (763) 438-3032.
