Seattle Erb's Palsy Lawyers

What Is Erb's Palsy?

Erb's palsy is a type of injury that occurs when the C5 and C6 nerves in the brachial plexus are damaged. This can happen if a baby's shoulder gets stuck during delivery. Erb's palsy can cause weakness or paralysis in the arm and hand, and it can also affect the baby's ability to move their shoulder.

During delivery, if a baby's neck is stretched too far in one direction, it can cause a tear in the roots of the brachial plexus. This can cause swelling and bruising, leading to an inability to move or use the affected arm. 

Erb's palsy is usually diagnosed shortly after birth. The doctor will likely examine your baby's arm and shoulder and may order tests, such as an X-ray or an MRI, to confirm the diagnosis.

Most babies with Erb's palsy make a good recovery. However, some may have permanent health issues, such as decreased strength and weakened bones in the affected arm and shoulder. With early diagnosis and treatment, most babies with Erb's palsy can live full and active lives.

What Are the Symptoms of Erb's Palsy?

Many parents are unaware of Erb's palsy despite it being common among newborns. Without knowing what it is and the associated symptoms, you may not notice your child's Erb's palsy until it is too late. 

Symptoms of Erb's palsy can include weakness or paralysis in one arm, numb hands or fingers, and the inability to move the shoulder or bend the elbow. 

Other signs may include:

• Limited range of motion in a baby's arm 
• Decreased feeling or sensation on one side of their face
• Lack of muscle control due to poor coordination between muscles on one side of the body
• Abnormal head position while nursing. 

To recover from Erb's palsy, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is advised, as the likelihood of sustaining permanent damage increases the longer it is left untreated. 

How Do I Prove Negligence In My Erb's Palsy Case?

It is essential to demonstrate that an appropriate medical standard of care was not followed during delivery. We can accomplish this by presenting expert testimony from an obstetrician or other medical professional who can explain the proper standard of care and how it was breached. 

In addition, you need to present evidence showing how the breach of the standard of care caused the injury sustained. In this case, you will need to prove that a healthcare professional's act or failure to act led to nerve damage in the brachial plexus which caused your child's Erb's palsy.

Some of the most common types of medical negligence that can cause Erb's palsy include:

• Failure to diagnose Erb's palsy: If a doctor fails to diagnose Erb's palsy in a timely manner, the baby may suffer permanent damage. This can happen if the doctor does not properly examine the baby's arm and shoulder after childbirth or if they do not order the necessary tests to diagnose the condition.
• Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors: These instruments can cause damage to the nerves in the brachial plexus. This can happen if the doctor does not use the instruments correctly or if they use them too forcefully.
• Use of excessive force during delivery: This can happen if the doctor pulls on the baby's arm too hard or if they use too much force during the delivery.
• Failure to perform a timely cesarean section: A c-section may be necessary to prevent injury if a baby is distressed during labor. If a doctor fails to perform a cesarean section promptly, the baby may suffer nerve damage.