Erb’s Palsy is a condition characterized by muscle weakness in the arm or shoulder. Typically, the condition occurs due to an injury a child experiences during the birthing process when damage occurs to a group of five nerves called the brachial plexus.
Many cases of Erb’s Palsy result from medical negligence during the birthing process. If that’s the case in your situation, you have a legal right to pursue a claim for compensation. Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC’s Minneapolis birth injury lawyers can help. Our firm represents birth injury victims, and we have extensive experience assisting clients in getting compensation for lifelong injuries.
Give us a call today to talk with a Minneapolis Erb’s palsy lawyer to find out how we can help you. Your consultation is free, and there is no charge for legal services if we don’t win your case.
Common Causes Of Erb’s Palsy
Erb’s Palsy occurs as a result of damage to the nerves that make up the brachial plexus, which connect the spine to the arm and hand and allow feeling and movement.
If these nerves are ripped away from the spine (avulsion), torn (rupture), scarred (neuroma), or stretched (neurapraxia), this can result in paralysis or limpness or the shoulder, arm, and elbow, or can cause numbness, tingling, or an unusual hand position called the “waiter’s tip” position where the palm of the hand points back and the fingers curl.
These nerves can become damaged during the birthing process as a result of:
- Shoulder dystocia, or the baby’s shoulder getting caught behind the mom’s pelvic bone
- Breach presentation, with the infant’s arms raised above the head
- Large infant size, especially in infants with macrosomia
- Use of forceps to extract the baby
- Use of vacuum extraction during the birthing process
- Improper delivery techniques, including pulling or twisting the baby’s head during delivery
Unfortunately, in many cases, healthcare provider negligence is the ultimate cause.
If your doctor or care provider fails to exercise reasonable care and provide the professional care an average, reasonable provider with similar training would offer, they can be held accountable for the resulting losses.
Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC, Can Help In Erb’s Palsy Cases
Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC, has helped many families affected by Erb’s Palsy. If your child has developed this condition, or if you developed it yourself as a result of a birth injury, you may have the right to recover compensation from those responsible for harming you.
Our firm can help you to:
- Determine the cause of Erb’s Palsy and gather evidence such as medical records, eyewitness testimony, and expert witness testimony.
- Identify defendants liable for your losses. Doctors or midwives are often to blame, but you can use vicarious liability laws to also hold clinics and hospitals accountable — which can be beneficial if you have substantial damages you need compensation for
- Take legal action. You can pursue a claim in or out of court to get appropriate compensation for all of the harm that will occur over a lifetime. This can include compensation for medical treatments and physical therapy, adaptive devices, lost income if the injuries affect earning power, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more.
Let Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC, Fight For Your Rights
Goldenberg Lauricella, PLLC has recovered millions on behalf of Erb’s Palsy victims, and we are ready to help you get justice. Give us a call today to schedule a free consultation with a Minnesota birth injury lawyer to learn more.