Erb’s Palsy Birth Injury

What You Need To Know About Erb’s Palsy Birth Injury

There are many injuries that can occur to an infant during the birthing process. Some of the most common injuries are:

• bone fractures
• nerve damage
• spinal cord injuries
• paralysis
• cerebral palsy

Some birth injuries heal on their own. Other injuries need lifelong care. One common birth injury is Erb’s palsy. Here is the important information you need to know:

What is Erb’s Palsy?

Erb’s palsy is also referred to as brachial plexus palsy. The brachial plexus handles nerve responses in the brain to the arm, hand, and shoulder region of the body. When this area is injured during birth, the nerves can become jeopardized. Learn more here.

There are factors that cause or contribute to this type of birth injury, such as:

• Mother is small in stature
• Use of vacuum or tools
• Infant born breeched
• Infants with heavy birth weight

What Causes Erb’s Palsy

Erb’s palsy commonly occurs when the infant is being pulled to the point of stretching the arm or shoulder. When the nerves are torn, stretched or damaged, the result is paralysis. 

Four types of Erb’s Palsy exist. They are:

Neurapraxia – stretching of the nerves with no tear

Rupture – full tearing of the nerve

Avulsion – the nerve is torn away from the spine

Neuroma – scar tissue preventing nerve signals to select muscle groups

Symptoms of Erb’s Palsy

There are multiple symptoms to keep an eye out for to determine if an infant has Erb’s Palsy. Difficulty moving a limb, a weakened limb, trouble gripping an object or the arm being bent against the body are most common. Loss of function of the limb is a surefire way to know.

Cost To Treat 

Short term treatment and physical therapy cost money. Lifelong care is also very expensive. You shouldn’t have to cover these expenses on your own. Talk to a lawyer about claiming compensation to pay for the treatment your child needs.

File a Claim for Compensation

Sometimes, this is a temporary situation that heals through physical therapy and time. However, for some, it is a lifelong injury that causes severe issues through the duration of their life. Call a lawyer to discuss your legal options and protect your child’s rights.

Pennsylvania and New Jersey Injury Law Firm

If you or a loved one suffered a birth injury, there may be compensation available. Call our office at 215-232-1000 to speak with a birth injury lawyer. Or use our online form to schedule a free legal consultation.

We serve people living and injured in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Our lawyers are sympathetic to your situation and will help you and your child get the care they deserve.