Chicago Birth Injury Lawyers

Brachial \ Erb's Palsy

Erb’s Palsy, also known as Brachial Palsy, is usually developed as a result of a birth injury. It is most commonly associated with difficult or otherwise abnormal labors, especially those that involve a prolonged delivery. This injury is caused when the nerves in a newborn’s shoulder are damaged.

Causes of Erb’s Palsy

Brachial palsy is caused when a newborn’s arm or shoulder is pulled on too strongly. This may occur if the infant’s head is moved to the side while its shoulders pass through the birth canal. It is also associated with the use of forceps during delivery.

Symptoms of Brachial Palsy

The signs of this injury depend on how extensive the damage is: whether the nerves involved were torn or merely bruised. In more severe cases, it can cause the following damage to the affected arm:

• Loss of sensation between the shoulder and elbow
• Loss of function
• Damaged temperature regulation
• Stunted growth
• Muscle weakness

Treatment of Erb’s Palsy

Some infants with this injury suffer only minor damage and their symptoms resolve on their own with time. Others require medical treatment including physical therapy and even surgery. Putting a young infant through surgery is always a risky procedure, and new parents put in this situation are often left with a very difficult decision.

Contact Us

If your child has developed Brachial Palsy due to the negligence of hospital staff, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Contact the experienced Chicago Erb's Palsy lawyers Friedman & Bonebrake at 312-466-8200.