• Cerebral Palsy
• Erb’s Palsy
• Klumpke’s Palsy
• Brachial Plexus
• Brain Damage
• Fractured Extremeties
• Infant Paralysis
• Facial Paralysis
• Caput Succedaneum
• Cephalohematoma
• Bruising/Forecep Marks
• Sub-conjunctival Hemorrhage

Erb's Palsy is a condition caused by nerve damage to the brachial nerves in the spine, which can lead to partial or total paralysis of the arms, hands, and sometimes the face. During delivery, it is possible for the baby’s shoulder to become impeded by the mother’s pelvic bone. When a physician uses proper techniques to dislodge the trapped shoulder, the baby can be delivered without any problems.

However, if a physician does not try every technique available for a smooth delivery, the shoulder and arm may remain impeded for some time. Because arm nerves are collected together in the armpit, this lengthy delivery time causes the nerves of the C5 and C6 vertebrae to become strained, or even tear. When this happens, the paralysis that is caused is called Erb’s palsy, or brachial plexus palsy.

Erb’s palsy changes the shoulder and upper arm in such a way that the hand rotates inward. It is usually difficult or impossible for those affected to grip things or to lift objects above their head. It is possible for Erb’s palsy to occur naturally; however, most of the time the condition is caused or aggravated by the actions or negligence of a doctor. Large babies and babies whose mothers are physically small or have diabetes usually have a greater risk for Erb's Palsy.

Most Erb's Palsy cases are caused by forcible traction during delivery – in other words, an avoidable birth injury caused by a health care professional applying too much force in removing the child from the birth canal. A variety of methods that help eliminate the conditions that lead to Erb's Palsy are available, and almost every case can be prevented. If your child suffers from these symptoms or has been diagnosed with Erb's Palsy, you should immediately speak to an experienced Massachusetts birth injury lawyer. Click here for help.