Erb's Palsy

Erb’s palsy, also known as brachial palsy, is a birth injury that is caused by complications during the delivery. Children who go through difficult birth situations, such as cases necessitating the use of forceps, run a much higher risk of developing Erb’s palsy. Because medical technologies and techniques have developed to such advanced levels, this condition is relatively rare – it only arises in approximately 0.2% of all births.

What is Erb’s Palsy?

Erb’s palsy is a condition in which the brachial nerves, which exist in the shoulder, are damaged during birth. Depending on the extent of the damage, the child may experience weakness or even paralysis of the arm, hand, and fingers. Typically, children who suffer from Erb’s palsy lack strength, normal reflexes, and control in their affected arms.

Children with Erb’s palsy will usually undergo muscle therapy and treatment to ensure recovery, and in most cases, the children fully heal. For those experiencing delays in the healing process, surgery may be used to restore the damaged nerves.

Risk Factors

Depending on the birth situation, the condition of the child, and the physical characteristics of the mother, a child may be more or less prone to suffering an Erb’s palsy injury. In the following cases, the infant is more likely to develop Erb’s palsy:

• Unusually small birth canal
• Large fetal head
• Larger than average baby
• Breech delivery
• Shoulder dystocia

While in some situations, this injury may be unavoidable, in others, the acting physician should have the skills and knowledge necessary to protect your child from such damaging harm.

Contact Us

If your child has developed Erb’s Palsy as the result of negligent medical care, then you may have the right to claim compensation. The Las Vegas personal injury lawyers of William Palmer & Associates, P.C. have the experience necessary to help you effectively assert your case. Contact us today by calling 702-888-2222.