Erb’s palsy, a disorder resulting in arm paralysis in infants and children, is often the result of a difficult birth. While some cases of Erb’s palsy may be unavoidable, many of them are the result of medical malpractice. Pulling on the baby’s body, exerting pressure on the brachial plexus, and even the improper use of tools designed to aid in labor can cause permanent damage to the nerves connecting the neck, arms, and shoulder.
If you believe a birth injury led to Erb’s palsy in your child, you have the right to file medical malpractice lawsuit against their medical providers with assistance from a hard-working birth injury attorney. A Philadelphia Erb’s palsy lawyer can help you evaluate your child’s injuries, determine whether they may result from a preventable injury, and provide a value range for damages.
Understanding Erb’s Palsy and Brachial Plexus Injuries
The brachial plexus is a nerve network that connects the spinal cord to the neck, upper torso, arm, shoulder, and hand. It is responsible for controlling movement and sensation in the area. Any injuries to the area can impact a person’s ability to use their arm or hand. Injuries to the brachial plexus are known as Erb’s palsy.
Generally, only one arm is impacted in these injuries, though both can be injured. Babies cannot tell parents that they have an arm injury. Still, they may exhibit symptoms like moving one arm less than the other, resting the arm against the body, having a weak grip, being fussy, and seeming to be in pain. These symptoms should prompt a pediatrician visit for a more complete examination.
The severity of the injury can influence whether the harm is lifelong or can be overcome through physical therapy and other treatments. For some children, no intervention is necessary. Many infants will heal on their own by around six months of age. However, children who have not healed by six months may have an irreversible injury.
These injuries can be progressive, getting worse over time. Some symptoms include muscle tightness, contractions, and loss of muscle movement and coordination. The condition can impose physical challenges on the child, delaying or preventing them from meeting developmental milestones. It can also lead to mental and emotional challenges, not just for the child but for the entire family. An Erb’s palsy lawyer in Philadelphia can collect evidence to show the present and future cost of a child’s injury.
Potential Causes of Erb’s Palsy
Erb’s palsy is almost always linked to a difficult delivery. In most cases, it is a preventable injury, or malpractice. Some risk factors for Erb’s palsy, such as large infant size, small maternal size, and a breech presentation, can be seen before labor. Determining the safest way to deliver the baby depends on multiple factors under these scenarios.
Other risk factors are not apparent before labor. Prolonged labor, the doctor’s failure to recognize potential shoulder dystocia, and the improper use of extraction tools like forceps or vacuums can all increase the risk of this injury.
A medical professional may recommend a C-section is to avoid the development of Erb’s palsy. Failure to recommend and perform a C-section when necessary is a type of medical malpractice. An attorney in Philadelphia could review medical records to determine whether malpractice led to a child’s Erb’s palsy.
Contact an Attorney in Philadelphia About Erb’s Palsy
Injuries to the brachial plexus can lead to lifelong injuries. Even if they are treatable, treatment may require extensive and expensive medical interventions, physical therapy, and more. If medical malpractice leads to those injuries, the medical professional should be responsible for the damages. To learn more, schedule a free consultation with a Philadelphia Erb’s palsy lawyer.
