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Erb's Palsy

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A common result of Shoulder Dystocia is Erb’s Palsy. Erb’s palsy causes different degrees of paralysis or weakness to the shoulder, arm, or hand. It is caused by too much force being exerted on the baby’s head while trying to pull the baby out of the birth canal.

What causes the paralysis or weakness is damage to the nerves in the “brachial plexus.” The brachial plexus is the group of nerve fibers located between the shoulder and the neck. Pulling too forcefully on the baby’s head during birth can cause these nerves to stretch and in severe cases tear from their attachment to the spine.

In 20% of cases the brachial plexus injury is severe and the child will suffer for the rest of his or her life. Paralysis of the arm and shoulder is permanent and irreversible in these cases. If your child has Erb’s Palsy he or she will not be able to lift his or her arm, will typically hold the injured arm by the side and in the most severe cases will have a droopy eyelid on the injured side.

The most devastating fact about Erb’s Palsy is that is completely preventable. There are warning signs that medical professionals should recognize prior to and during birth. Once these warning signs are recognized it is the medical professional’s duty to inform the parents of the risks and options to safely deliver the baby without injury. Even if the warning signs were detected early on and there is a plan in place for delivery the following medical negligence could still lead to Erb’s Palsy:
  • Overuse of induction drugs such as Pitocin

  • Inducing labor too soon or too late

  • Failing to perform a C-section early in the labor process once the warning signs were detected

  • Failing to detect the size of the baby

  • Ignoring the mother’s history of shoulder dystocia during birth

  • Impulsive and rushed deliveries

  • Failing to detect malposition in the birth canal
If your child is suffering with Erb's Palsy and you believe the medical professionals invovled with his or her birth were negligent please consult a birth injury attorney at The Pisanchyn Law Firm as you could receive compensation and bring the medical professionals involved to justice. Consultation and legal representation is free until we win your case, and even then you will never pay out of pocket, we will only be paying you the money you deserve.

We know and understand that money and financial rewards could never give your baby a clean bill of health again, but someone needs to be held accountable for the tragedy they have imposed on you and your family. We want to be here for you during this difficult time, call us today either locally or toll free: 1-866-427-4652 with questions, concerns, or simply for the support you need in this difficult time.



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