Erb's Palsy

Childbirth can be a complicated process despite medical advances that have made it substantially safer than it was decades ago. Birth injuries can and do occur as a result of medical negligence.  Erb’s palsy is one of the most unfortunate birth injuries that can occur during delivery. Sadly, thousands of children develop Erb’s palsy each year in the United States, and the costs and heartache associated with this life-long condition are substantial.

If your child suffers from Erb’s palsy and you suspect that it may have been caused by mistakes made during your child's delivery, it is important to contact a qualified medical malpractice attorney to determine if your child and you may be entitled to receive compensation for your losses. Please contact one of the attorneys Cline Farrell Christie Lee & Caress today for a FREE consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options.

 

Risk Factors of Erb’s Palsy

Erb’s palsy is caused by the stretching and tearing of nerves leading from the spinal cord into an upper extremity in a newborn.  This injury can occur during delivery when a child's shoulder becomes stuck on a mother's pubic bone and the delivering health care provider fails to take well known safety precautions to prevent injury to the child during delivery and, instead applies strong traction on the child's head to free the stuck shoulder.  Use of strong traction by the health care provider in this situation can cause devastating, permanent nerve injuries and impairments in affected children.  Factors that increase a child’s risk of sustaining Erb’s palsy include:

  • Vaginal delivery of a very large baby
  • Improper use of vacuum suction or forceps
  • Excessive traction applied to a baby’s head during birth
  • Abnormally-shaped or narrow maternal pelvis
  • Maternal obesity
  • Small maternal stature
  • Prolonged labor

If you suspect your child’s condition is a result of a mistake made during delivery, you may be eligible to file a legal claim for your child's and your own losses.

 

Your Rights

There are laws in place that protect victims of medical malpractice, including those who sustained Erb’s palsy as a consequence of a healthcare professional’s negligence.  Please contact us today to speak with an experienced and compassionate attorney who can evaluate your medical malpractice case at no-cost and determine your best course of action. If medical malpractice is found to be the cause of your child’s condition, you may be entitled to recover damages for past and future medical costs, physical injuries, emotional stress and more.  We look forward to hearing from you, and we welcome the opportunity to serve and assist you.