Memphis Erb's Palsy Attorneys

What is Erb's palsy?

Erb's palsy—also called Erb-Duchenne Palsy or Brachial Plexus and Shoulder Distocia—is a condition caused by injury to the network of nerves known as the brachial plexus, often during birth. The nerves in the brachial plexus run from the spine through the shoulder and arm, and all the way down to the fingertips. These nerves control the movement of muscles in the shoulders, arms and hands. Severing or damaging them can cause weakness in the arm, or partial or full paralysis. While some babies recover from Erb's palsy on their own, others require surgery. Some cases of Erb's palsy are untreatable.

Causes of Erb's palsy

Often when Erb's palsy occurs, it is due to medical negligence or medical malpractice. Some of the most common negligence-related causes include the following:

• Failure to recognize breech delivery (or necessity for C-section), leading to the shoulder of the baby getting caught and stretched or strained
• Excessive pulling on the shoulders or arms of a baby during birth, leading to the nerves being torn from the spinal cord
• Improper use of forceps during delivery, severing brachial plexus nerves
• Improper use of a vacuum extractor during delivery

The United Brachial Plexus Network reports that Erb's palsy is found in 1-2 out of every 1,000 babies.

Living with Erb's palsy

There can be significant physical and emotional effects associated with Erb's palsy. Physically, babies with Erb's palsy may have weakness in the injured arm, lack of feeling, or partial or total paralysis. Parents usually are the first to notice weakness or lack of use of the arm, at which point a pediatrician can diagnose the condition.

Most children overcome Erb's palsy on their own, sometimes with the help of physical therapy or other non-surgical treatments. If the condition persists, different surgical options are available, including nerve replacement surgery. However, some instances of Erb's palsy are untreatable. In those cases, as the child grows, he or she may experience emotional effects due to the lack of or impaired ability of the arm, or (in some cases) a noticeable difference in size of the affected arm.

How can a Memphis Erb's palsy lawyer help you?

It is clear that children living with Erb's palsy, as well as their families, deal with considerable limitations in their daily lives. When the condition is a result of medical negligence, families are entitled to compensation for the financial, physical, and emotional costs of dealing with Erb's palsy. A Memphis medical malpractice attorney can answer any questions and provide families with information on their options.

Experienced lawyers who care

Do you need a Memphis Erb's palsy attorney or legal guidance in any of our practice areas? The attorneys at Skouteris & Magee, PLLC are dedicated and knowledgeable professionals who look forward to helping you. Contact us by e-mail or call at 888-339-6032.