What is Erb’s Palsy?

Erb’s palsy is a form of birth injury caused by stretching the nerves of the brachial plexus. It usually happens during a difficult delivery, when a baby is large, born after a prolonged labor, or in breech presentation. It may also occur when the person assisting the delivery must deliver the baby quickly, and he or she forcibly pulls the baby from the birth canal. If one side of the baby's neck is severely stretched, it may also stretch the nerves, causing the injury. Erb’s palsy brachial plexus injury can often be prevented if the delivering obstetrician dislodges the baby’s shoulder during the delivery, or opts for a C-section in risky cases.

Symptoms of Erb’s Palsy

Unfortunately, Erb’s Palsy is a condition that can leave the child with a lifetime disability or limited movement of their arm. If your child has been affected with Erb’s Palsy, he or she may have the following symptoms:

• Arm, elbow or shoulder paralysis
• Hand and finger paralysis
• Facial paralysis
• Limp arms
• Limited or no movements in the hands or fingers
• Loss of sensation in arms, shoulders, hands or fingers
• No muscle control in the arms or hands
• Little or no wrist or hand control
• Inability to sit up or crawl without assistance

Seeking a New York City Erb's Palsy Attorney

If Erb’s Palsy has occurred because of malpractice or negligence of medical professionals, parents have rights to monetary compensation for medical costs and more. The New York City Erb’s palsy attorneys of the Jacob Fuchsberg Law Firm have the knowledge, resources and history of proven results to bring justice to families that have been affected by Erb’s palsy diagnosis. If you believe a medical professional’s error could have caused your child's Erb's palsy, you should seek qualified legal help as soon as possible. Contact us today at 212-869-3500 for a free consultation, or complete our web form.