Who Is Liable for Causing Erb’s Palsy to Newborns?

Erb’s Palsy Explained

Erb’s palsy occurs as a result of damage to the nerves in the infants upper-arm. This damage limits the babies upper body mobility. In severe cases of Erb’s palsy, the injury can affect the entire abdominal region, as well as the upper and lower back.

This palsy disrupts nerve signals from the brain to the babies upper-arm, forearm and wrist, releasing painful, uncontrolled nerve impulses. A severe condition known as total brachial plexus palsy occurs if both the lower and upper regions of the brachial plexus are injured.

The Risk Factors

This unfortunate medical condition occurs when the head and neck of the infant are over-stretched during the delivery of the child. The chances of Erb’s palsy increase exponentially if the newborn’s shoulder develops shoulder dystocia, the bottom shoulder cannot pass the birth canal immediately after the delivery of the head. This creates a life-threatening emergency due to the possible collapse of the umbilical cord and death of the baby.

Other risk factors include the use of vacuum extraction tools or forceps during the birth. Doctors often use these tools to deliver large babies, or if the mother has excessive weight gain from the pregnancy that inhibits a successful delivery.

If medical professionals are responsible for creating the condition in your child, you have valid grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. Consult with a personal injury attorney to discuss the potential for covering past and future medical expenses related to the injury. Your injury attorney will review the case and give you an honest opinion on whether or not you should file a lawsuit against the medical practitioner.

Signs and Symptoms and Signs of Erb’s Palsy

Symptoms and signs of Erb’s palsy vary depending on the extent of the child’s injuries. The most common symptoms and signs to be aware of include;

• Sensory loss in the upper arm
• Complete loss of upper arm motor function
• A decreased grip strength on the affected side
• Partial or full paralysis of the arm

Your doctor can treat Erb’s palsy through physical therapy or surgery. 

Consult with Professionals

Seek out a personal injury lawyer to assist you with building a case against your medical healthcare provider. Injury attorneys deal with these cases frequently and have the knowledge and skills needed to launch a malpractice suit on your behalf successfully.

Consulting with an attorney could save you hundreds of thousands of dollars on medical expenses over the course of your child’s life.

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