What is Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s Palsy is a type of birth injury that affects approximately one out of every 1,000 babies born in the United States and occurs when a baby suffers injury to the brachial plexus during the delivery process. In cases where Erb’s Palsy could have been prevented, doctors, nurses, or other medical professionals may be deemed negligent and held liable for the damages.
If you suspect your child’s condition was caused by medical malpractice or negligence, contact us today. One of our experienced lawyers will answer your questions and evaluate your case at no cost to you.
About Brachial Plexus Injuries
Damage to the brachial plexus—or network of nerves connecting the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm and hand—is categorized in the following four ways:
· Neuropraxia, or stretched—usually heals within three months
· Neuroma—pressure from scar tissue on nerves
· Avulsion—nerve is torn at the spinal cord
· Rupture—nerve is torn but not at the spinal cord
Depending on the severity of nerve damage (avulsion and rupture injuries are more severe), a child who suffers from Erb’s palsy may experience:
· Loss of feeling or sensation in the affected area
· Temporary paralysis
· Reduced mobility
· Limpness or lack of muscle control in affected arm, hand or fingers
· Limb asymmetry—the damaged arm may be bent or turned out
Treatment of Erb’s Palsy
Many babies recover functional use of their limbs within the first three months after birth. However, this involves extensive parental involvement in physical therapy. Parents must exercise the baby’s affected arm three times per day to prevent joint contracture.
If significant improvement is not made within the first five months to year of the child’s life, surgery on the brachial plexus nerve network may be recommended. Without surgery, Erb’s Palsy can reduce the functional use of an arm, hand, or fingers leaving them permanently weak and positioned abnormally with a very limited range of motion.
Erb’s Palsy and Medical Malpractice
Erb’s palsy is often preventable. Trained obstetric physicians can anticipate the potential for damage to the brachial plexus by identifying risk factors during delivery. Such risk factors include:
· Mothers who are substantially overweight or short of stature
· Mothers with diabetes or a flat or contracted pelvis
· An extended pregnancy beyond 40 weeks
· A prolonged second stage labor
· A high birth-weight baby and/or in a breech position can have their shoulders stuck against the mother’s pelvic bone
Ignoring these factors, or responding inappropriately to them, can result in Erb’s Palsy and medical staff may be held liable for damages.
If you suspect medical negligence or malpractice contributed to your child’s condition, contact us today for a complimentary case evaluation. One of our experienced medical malpractice lawyers will be happy to answer your questions and help you understand your options.
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Perey Law Group, PLLC
1606 8th Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: (206) 443-7600
Fax: (206) 443-4785