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Erb's Palsy
 

Erb's Palsy is a birth injury to the brachial plexus, a group of nerves within the upper arm, that causes a loss of muscle control or paralysis. Erb's Palsy is often caused when the baby's shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother's pelvic bone. In an attempt to free the baby, the doctor may exert excessive force on the shoulder or an upper arm during delivery, causing a stretch or tearing of sensitive nerves -- and leaving the newborn facing a lifetime of permanent damage to the arm.

In some cases, Erb's Palsy is an indication that a doctor has made a mistake during the delivery. If that proves to be the case, the doctor may be liable for medical malpractice.

While we cannot erase the pain you or your loved ones feel because of this birth injury, we can help you obtain the financial resources necessary to manage its long-term effects. With more than 35 years of legal experience, Attorney Michael A. Abelson can help protect the future for you and your child by securing financial compensation to cover medical treatment, pharmaceuticals, hospital bills and other life-long care expenses.

Contact the Abelson Law Firm online or call us at (888) 797-4242 or (202) 331-0600 for a free review of your case. The Abelson Law Firm accepts cases in the Washington, DC area on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay attorney's fees only if we obtain a favorable verdict or settlement for you.

When a baby becomes lodged in the birth canal during delivery, there are a series of recommended procedures that the doctor must undertake to deliver the baby safely. Unfortunately, some doctors may react hastily and exert excessive pressure, pulling on the baby's arm or shoulder, therebycausing permanent damage to the brachial nerves.

The physical effect on the baby can be severe. If the nerves are torn completely, it can result in complete paralysis of the shoulder, arms and hands. Even a partial tear can have serious consequences, including reduced muscle control, a loss of sensation in the arm or hand, a misaligned shoulder blade, stunted growth or a lack of strength or motor coordination.

There are indications before birth, that a particular baby may be at risk for a difficult delivery (high risk). Those signs may include a baby's large pre-birth weight, or a mother who has a history of delivering large babies or has gained a large amount of weight during her pregnancy. Other indications include an abnormally long gestational period or a mother with a pre-existing condition of diabetes.

A doctor who recognizes a pregnant patient with these risk factors must be prepared for the possibility of an impacted shoulder during delivery; it is his or her responsibility to follow the standard of care safe procedures so that a healthy child is delivered. When those signs are missed or ignored and an innocent child is injured, the doctor’s error may amount to medical malpractice.

Erb's Palsy can require long term medical care, including physical therapy or surgery. Parents of children with Erb's Palsy may be entitled to money to help pay for this care. The lawyers at The Abelson Law Firm have substantial experience handling birth injury cases. If your child suffered brachial damage during delivery in the Washington DC area, please contact us online or by phone at 202-331-0600 or toll free 1-888-797-4242 for a free consultation.