Ohio Erb's Palsy Attorneys

If your child was diagnosed with Erb’s palsy, medical errors may be to blame

Erb’s palsy is a specific type of brachial plexus palsy. The brachial plexus is a bundle of nerves that runs from the brain to the arms. The nerves in the brachial plexus control sensation and movement in the arms. Brachial plexus injuries may result in a loss of motor function in the hands, fingers, and arms. However, with Erb’s palsy, the baby may lose motor function in the shoulders, but not in the fingers. At The Eisen Law Firm, our skilled Ohio birth injury attorneys recognize the signs of birth injuries and know when a medical error is to blame for Erb’s palsy.

What are the different types of Erb’s palsy injuries?

The severity of the symptoms associated with Erb’s palsy depend on the type of Erb’s palsy injury. Injuries may include:

• Avulsions: Avulsions are the most serious type of Erb’s palsy. With an avulsion, the nerve is ripped away from the spinal cord. The baby may not be able to move the arm at all. Surgery may help the baby recover some movement.
• Ruptures: With a rupture, the nerve is stretched so far that it tears. The nerve cannot repair a tear on its own. Surgery is required, and the baby may struggle with motor development in the affected area.
• Neuroma: A neuroma is also a stretched nerve, but unlike neurapraxia, neuroma results in scar tissue. Babies do not recover from neuromas as easily. Physical therapy or even surgery may be required.

• Neurapraxia: Neurapraxia is a relatively mild injury, typically from the stretching of a nerve. Although your baby may be very uncomfortable because of the stretched nerve, the nerve should heal on its own in a few months without any long-term effects.

How does medical negligence cause Erb’s palsy?

Babies are often pulled and stretched as they are being delivered. If a doctor or nurse pulls too hard on the baby or pulls the baby in the wrong direction, the nerves may be damaged. Babies who are large are especially at risk of suffering Erb’s palsy, as they may be more difficult to deliver.

Signs of Erb’s palsy

Parents should keep an eye out for the following symptoms of Erb’s palsy:

• The baby has trouble moving one arm or appears to be in pain while doing so
• The baby keeps one arm bent and against the body
• The baby seems to have trouble holding objects or making a fist on one side of the body

Only a medical professional is able to diagnose Erb’s palsy. If you have witnessed these symptoms, your child should be evaluated as soon as possible.

Birth injury attorneys are able to provide guidance during the claims process

Birth injury claims are a type of medical malpractice claim. These claims are complex and often overwhelming for victims and their families. Birth injury attorneys handle the legal aspects of the claim, so that families are able to focus on their loved ones.

Contact our leading Ohio birth injury lawyers today for a free consultation and case review

At The Eisen Law Firm, our medical malpractice attorneys handle all types of birth injury claims, including those involving Erb’s palsy. We are proud to serve Northeast Ohio and would be honored to represent your family in seeking justice and compensation for your child’s injuries. To schedule your free consultation with our team, call 216-687-0900 or contact us online.