Erb’s Palsy is a type of birth disorder that occurs when a newborn’s upper arm nerves are damaged. The condition occurs following delivery, and can result in everything from mild to severe injuries. US statistics reveal that for every 1,000 births, 1 to 2 children are diagnosed with Erb’s Palsy, and the families left with this diagnosis can face serious challenges. For these families, the help of an experienced birth injury attorney is essential. With more than 40 Years of birth injury law experience, I will find out what happened, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Symptoms Associated with Erb’s Palsy
There are several common conditions seen in children with Erb’s Palsy, which include:
- Inability to move the arms or shoulders
- Arms that are bent towards a child’s body
- Weakness or absent reflexes
- Loss of sensation in a child’s arms
- Intense pain in the impacted area
- Decrease grip in the injured area
Common Causes of Erb’s Palsy
Some of the most common causes of Erb’s Palsy include:
- Breech delivery, which occurs if a baby is born bottom first. In these situations, a c-section is often the best option to avoid any unnecessary risks or complications.
- Cephalo-Pelvic Disproportion, which occurs when an infant is too large for the birth canal. Most medical professionals, however, are able to anticipate these problems weeks ahead of time and avoid any subsequent complications.
- Forceful arm pulling, which is capable of being avoided and most commonly occurs when a medical professional pulls or tugs on an infant’s arms.
- Head-first delivery, which occurs when a child’s head becomes stuck in the birth canal, causing the head to pull away from the shoulders.
Erb’s Palsy can occur for many reasons and often leaves victims facing very serious complications. If your child was injured as a result of a medical professional’s negligence, you should remember that you deserve compensation for the resulting injuries.
Reasons to File an Erb’s Palsy Lawsuit
Many families who have children diagnosed with Erb’s Palsy often hesitate to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit. Some families feel that a medical professional was trying to do what was best. Other times, families might not believe that Erb’s Palsy does not warrant pursuing legal action. Over time, though, many families discover that there is value in pursuing a lawsuit on behalf of a child with Erb’s Palsy. Despite these potential limitations, some of the reasons why families should consider pursuing a lawsuit include:
- To prevent future cases of children impacted by Erb’s Palsy
- To help obtain compensation for the various medical costs that arise
- To help offset lost wages if the child with Erb’s Palsy will require more care than a healthier child
- To establish a college fund for the child’s education
Contact an Experienced Birth Injury Lawyer
If you believe that your child’s Erb’s Palsy was caused by medical malpractice or neglect, you should not hesitate to contact me. During a free initial consultation, we will discuss the various strategies we can use to fight your case. I’ll Make Them Pay!® so your child can receive the necessary care and treatment he or she deserves.
