Erb's Palsy Claims

Erb’s palsy, also referred to as “Erb-Duchenne” palsy, can often be frightening to begin with, especially if your baby is unable to move their arm in any way. Erb’s palsy affects the brachial plexus, which consists of a network of nerves found in the neck and shoulder region. It is made up of five large nerves that come out of the spinal cord between the bones in the neck (the vertebrae), pass under the collar bone (clavicle) and into the upper arm. The nerves enable the signals that allow movement and feeling to reach the arm. 

Babies who suffer with Erb’s palsy often cannot move the affected shoulder or upper arm. Symptoms may include a limp arm, inability to grip with the hand affected, loss of sensory and motor function in the upper arm and numbness. 

Many people who bring Erb’s palsy compensation claims after their babies are born do so due to the negligence suffered during birth. If a medical professional causes damage through negligent behaviour, and it results in this condition, the family would be eligible to file an Erb’s palsy lawsuit.   

Other Erb’s palsy risk factors may include: 

• Large babies; 
• The baby is in a breech position; 
• The birth is prolonged; 
• The mother’s pelvis may be small and cause the baby to get stuck; 
• Use of forceps; 
• The mother has already given birth to a child with Erb’s palsy previously (the condition is likely with the next birth).