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Erb's Palsy

Erb’s Palsy Lawsuits

Helping Michigan Families Seek Compensation for Brachial Plexus Injuries

When an infant’s neck becomes stretched or damaged during the childbirth process, it may result in a brachial plexus injury, causing damage to the network of nerves that control the arm. When particularly severe, brachial plexus damage may develop into Erb’s palsy, a disorder that causes loss of motion, weakness, and feeling throughout the arm and hands.

Although there are many causes for Erb’s palsy, one of the most common is shoulder dystocia, or poor positioning of the child in the birth canal. In some cases, an Erb’s palsy diagnosis may be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit against the OB-GYN or doctor responsible for the initial injury. At Grewal Law PLLC, our experienced and compassionate birth injury lawyers are here to help Michigan families seek appropriate compensation for this serious diagnosis.

For more information on how we can help you file a claim, contact Grewal Law PLLC at (888) 211-5798.

Symptoms of Erb’s Palsy

Erb’s palsy is usually obvious after birth, as the child may not be able to move or flex their arm muscles at all. However, the symptoms of Erb’s palsy can also vary, and an inattentive doctor may not notice the weakness and limpness of the child’s arm at first.

Common symptoms of this disorder:

  • Paralysis, either full or partial
  • Numbness in the arm
  • “Limpness” or floppiness
  • Loss of sensory and motor function in the upper arm
  • Decreased grip strength and control
  • Impaired circulatory and nervous system development

What Causes Brachial Plexus Damage?

Childbirth is a difficult process, and labor can be extremely traumatic for both infant and mother. It’s estimated that between 1 and 2 out of every 1,000 live births involves some form of brachial plexus damage. Not all instances of brachial plexus damage will result in a lifelong Erb’s palsy diagnosis: In fact, many of these injuries can be improved or eliminated with time, physical therapy, and care.

This is because most brachial plexus injuries only damage parts of these essential nerves. It’s also critical that doctors accurately recognize this disorder and provide prompt treatment, which can eliminate the risk of lifelong injury. According to a recent study, the rate of recovery may be as high as 96% when treatment is given within 2 weeks following birth.

Some of the top causes for a brachial plexus injury in infants:

  • Prolonged or delayed delivery
  • Shoulder dystocia
  • Improper use of forceps, vacuums, and other medical tools
  • Breech presentation delivery
  • Infants with high birth weight
  • Late or high-risk pregnancy

Understanding Liability for Erb’s Palsy

Doctors and OB-GYNs have a responsibility to uphold the standard of care before, during, and after childbirth begins. Because Erb’s palsy is a fairly common occurrence – and may be preventable and treatable with proper care and monitoring – it’s possible that you may have a lawsuit against your healthcare provider after your child is diagnosed with this disorder.

At Grewal Law PLLC, we understand that your child deserves the best care for this serious birth injury, and our Michigan Erb’s palsy lawyers are committed to helping you seek compensation for that care. When we review your case, we’ll explore every legal avenue for recovery and seek to give you answers about what caused your baby’s injury.

We’re here to listen. Contact us at (888) 211-5798 or submit our online form to schedule a free consultation at one of our offices in Okemos, Grand Rapids, or Northville.