Do You Have a Medical Negligence Claim for Erb’s Palsy?

When children are born with Erb’s Palsy, medical negligence claims are usually successful due to the usual cause of this condition. So, what is Erb’s Palsy?

Erb’s Palsy

Erb’s Palsy is also known as Erb-Duchenne Syndrome or brachial plexus palsy. The brachial plexus refers to a group or network of nerves that protrude from the neck into the underarm area. They innervate the arm. Unfortunately, in a baby’s state of development, the brachial plexus can be damaged if the doctor pulls too hard in the shoulder and underarm area while delivering the baby.

Usually, Erb’s Palsy is the result of a doctor delivering a large baby through a small pelvis. Sometimes, the head comes out but the baby’s shoulders are too wide, causing the baby to be stuck. If the doctor makes an incorrect judgment about what to do next and pulls too hard on the baby’s neck and/or shoulders, it can tear the nerves in the brachial plexus.

This causes irreparable damage and results in various degrees of paralysis in the arm. Although it usually only affects one arm, some babies end up with Erb’s Palsy in both arms. If a baby is born in the breech position, putting too much pressure on upraised arms can also tear the nerves in the brachial plexus.

Varying Degrees

The degree and nature of paralysis is dependent upon which nerves are damaged and how badly. Sometimes it is confined to the upper arm and the infant can’t raise or rotate the upper arm. Sometimes it also affects the lower arm. It can also affect the hand; this variant is called Klumpke’s Paralysis. Some Klumpke’s Paralysis patients have an eyelid droop on the opposite side of the body from the affected arm.

Call Us

If your child has Erb’s Palsy, call us. It is almost always the doctor’s fault. We can help you receive the compensation your child deserves. Call Bradford Legal in Perth today: 1300 738 303.