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Philadelphia Birth Injury Lawyers Understand the Heartbreak of a Birth Defect Due to Negligence

Excessive Pulling or Stretching During Birth can cause Erb’s Palsy

A newborn with paralysis or weakness in an arm may suffer from Erb’s palsy, also known as brachial plexus palsy or Duchenne’s Paralysis. Erb’s palsy results from injury to the nerves that control the muscles of the shoulder and surrounding areas.

It is commonly caused when the newborn’s head and shoulders are pulled or stretched in opposite directions during birth. For example, when passing through the birth canal, the head and neck can be stretched away from the shoulders. The condition can also happen during a head-first delivery, where the baby gets stuck and the caregiver pulls the shoulders too hard while trying to get the baby out. Larger babies are more susceptible, as one of the shoulders may get held up by the mother’s pubic bone, stretching the nerves in the upper arm. If your baby shows signs of Erb’s palsy, let our Philadelphia birth injury lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC, help today. With unwavering commitment and dedication, we work hard to find those responsible and seek the compensation you may be entitled to.

Negligence Resulting in Erb’s Palsy

Specific negligent conduct by a doctor or hospital staff can cause Erb’s palsy. If the professional performing the delivery does not follow proper protocols, or otherwise mismanages the delivery, medical malpractice is a possibility. After childbirth, you may observe any of these conditions:

  • Arm is held against the chest
  • Arm is floppy when baby is turned over
  • Lack of asymmetry when expected (like spreading arms)The long recovery road ahead
  • Weakness in or absence of grip in the hand

Occasionally, the baby’s nerves will heal themselves and Erb’s palsy will resolve itself within a few months. However, if that does not occur, expensive and long-term treatment may be necessary. Otherwise, the child could suffer from a weakened or immobile arm for the rest of his/her life. So recovery may be a long road ahead indeed. Treatment options include:

  • Nerve grafts
  • Physical therapy
  • Surgery on tendons or muscles
  • Other painful or expensive procedures

If your doctor or the hospital negligently contributed to the birth of your child, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Our Philadelphia birth injury lawyers are highly skilled and experienced in proving birth injury cases. Our formidable legal team is ready to review your case and conduct a thorough investigation. We have secured more than $100 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients and can help you and your child receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact our Philadelphia Birth Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation

Erb’s palsy can have long-term effects on the physical mobility of your baby’s arm. If you believe your child was inured due to medical negligence, contact our Philadelphia Erb’s Palsy lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC, today. We serve families in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey. Our Philadelphia office is located across from City Hall, easily accessible by train, subway, and trolley. Contact us online or call our offices at 215-569-8488 or 302-888-1221 to schedule your initial free consultation with our reputable Philadelphia birth injury lawyers.