Erb’s Palsy Lawsuits
(Brachial Plexus Injury)
Brachial plexus injury, also called brachial plexus palsy or Erb’s palsy, is a type of birth injury to the arm, shoulder, or wrist in which nerve damage occurs. Although brachial plexus injuries can be sustained later in life, this type of injury most commonly occurs during birth and is often the result of medical negligence.
Causes of Erb’s Palsy
Erb’s palsy is general caused by stretching of nerve fibers of the brachial plexus when the head and shoulder are moved in opposite directions. It can easily occur if the baby’s shoulder becomes pinned behind the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery, causing excessive stretching and tearing of nerves in the brachial plexus. Erb’s palsy can also be a result from cesarean section deliveries. Some risk factors include, small mothers, large infants, low or midforceps delivery, extended labor and vacuum extraction.
Physicians must recognize and respond quickly to this medical emergency to ensure that permanent and debilitating injury does not occur. While some minor brachial plexus injuries will heal in time, others require ongoing physical therapy or even surgery to allow the child use of the arm, hand and shoulder.
Symptoms of Erb’s Palsy
Some common symptoms of erb’s palsy include:
- Lack of muscle control in the arm, wrist or hand
- Limp or paralyzed arm
- Lack of sensation or feeling in the hand or arm
Contact a Birth Injury Lawyer
Parents of children born with brachial plexus injuries due to physician negligence or error have the right to pursue financial compensation for damages. However if you plan on filing a lawsuit, you should contact a lawyer immediately. Each state has a time limit, called a statute of limitations, restricting how long you have to file a claim. The time limit varies from state to state. If you wait too long you will not be able to take legal action. Contact a birth injury lawyer today!
