Brachial Palsy, which is sometimes known as Erb’s Palsy, both refer to a birth condition which causes a weakness in the arm, shoulder and hand.
Brachial Palsy tends to refer to an affected shoulder, whereas Erb’s Palsy affects the upper and lower arm. Another variety of this condition is Krumpke Paralysis, which involves the hand and often a droopy eyelid on the other side of the body.
Brachial Palsy occurs when the brachial plexus (the network of nerves near the neck that connects to all of the nerves of the arm) is injured. It is most common when there is difficulty delivering the baby’s shoulder, called shoulder dystocia.
What are the results of Brachial Palsy?
- Palsy means weakness; Brachial Palsy causes a weakness in the arm, preventing normal movement.
- The baby often loses the ability to flex and rotate the arm, temporarily or permanently.
- The baby may not be able to move the shoulder, but may still be able to move the fingers or even lower arm.
- Loss of feeling in the arm, shoulder or fingers.
- There may be swelling and bruising around the brachial nerves.
- Torn nerves could result in permanent nerve damage.
- Partial paralysis can also occur in the most severe cases.
What causes Brachial Palsy?
In nearly every case, the baby’s neck is stretched during a delivery, causing damage to the brachial plexus. These deliveries typically include the following components:
- Breech birth (where the baby is coming out anything but head-first)
- Prolonged or complicated labor
- A particularly large baby
- Difficulty delivering the shoulder after the head has already emerged
- Extended time in the birth canal, requiring the baby to be removed with force
Brachial Palsy often is the result of medical malpractice, as a timely decision to deliver via Caesarean section typically prevents the damages of these complicating factors.
For parents of children born with Brachial Palsy, Erbs Palsy or Krumpke Paralysis, there are likely to be significant out-of-pocket costs. If we believe this often preventable condition has been caused by medical malpractice, we will advocate on your behalf to get your family the money you deserve.
Brachial Palsy is diagnosed by a pediatrician. If your child is born with complications and birth injuries, including Brachial Palsy, you can expect to incur added expenses for treatment and therapy, possibly even surgery. Children with Brachial Palsy, Erbs Palsy or Kurmpke Paralysis may require these supportive therapies, which will cost their parents money:
- Daily physical therapy for as little as two weeks, but often for up to two years or even longer.
- Surgery on the shoulder, hand or arm
- Occupational therapy
- Social work and psychological support for parents and other caregivers
- Pain relief medication and treatments
Contact our office so we can help recover these costs and obtain the justice you and your child deserve.
We know that we cannot erase the tragedy or heartache that you have suffered. What we can do is help get you the damages you are entitled to, which can help pay for medical and other expenses. Our legal experts will work hard to maximize the value of your settlement.
Our birth trauma legal experts will navigate the many complex issues involved in your case, working for the best possible results for you and your child.
We are a highly-skilled legal team with years of experience, delivering exceptional results to our clients.
If your child was born with a birth injury, call 1-888-8TURNER for a free consultation with a member of our legal staff who will inform you of your options and how we can help you. You can also click here to complete a confidential, online form to receive a free case review.
