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Michigan Erb’s Palsy Attorney

Erb’s palsy is a serious complication that can develop during the birth of a child. It often occurs due to suboptimal positioning of the baby during delivery.

If Erb’s palsy has impacted your family, please contact the Michigan Erb’s palsy lawyers at Buchanan Firm today. Erb’s palsy is a condition that, while treatable, is a complication that could have been prevented by diligent care from doctors and medical professionals.

What is Erb’s Palsy?

Erb’s palsy is an injury of a portion of the brachial plexus, a complex network of nerves between the neck and shoulders. A stretching, tearing, or severing of these nerves can affect motor function in the arms of a baby. Common symptoms of Erb’s palsy are:

  • Weakness in one arm.
  • Limited or no range of movement in one arm.
  • Arm bent at the elbow and kept close to the body.
  • Weakened grip, or general difficulty with gripping objects in one hand.
  • Partial or total paralysis of the arm

If left untreated, Erb’s palsy can result in permanent nerve damage and limited mobility in a baby. Explore your legal options with an Erb’s palsy lawyer if your loved one suffered from negligence that resulted in Erb’s palsy.

On the other hand, if your child is suffering from cerebral palsy, please reach out to one of our Michigan cerebral palsy attorneys immediately.

What Are the Causes of Erb’s Palsy?

Erb’s palsy is commonly caused by complications during the delivery of a baby that put unnatural stress on the baby’s arm, neck, and shoulders. This includes:

  • Shoulder dystocia, in which a baby’s shoulders are stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone in the birth canal. This pinching can stretch or tear the nerve, resulting in damage.
  • A breech birth, in which babies are born feet first. This may cause them to become lodged in the birth canal at the shoulders during delivery. Pulling at a baby while they are in this position can cause significant nerve damage.
  • Improper use of forceps or other delivery tools. Without a gentle touch, using these tools can cause significant nerve damage to a baby.

In some cases, Erb’s palsy can also develop shortly after birth – a nurse or other medical professional improperly holding a newborn can cause enough trauma to induce nerve damage. If you believe your child suffers from Erb’s palsy due to birth trauma, our Michigan birth injury lawyers can help explore your options for compensation in Michigan.

How Can Erb’s Palsy Be Treated?

Fortunately, most cases of Erb’s palsy can be fully treated within a year. However, this usually only occurs with an extensive, consistent schedule of treatment and care, potentially including:

  • Multiple consultations with neurologists, therapists, and neurosurgeons
  • Surgery
  • Physical therapy
  • Massage therapy
  • Medications

Although it is possible to recover completely from Erb’s palsy, it requires a road to recovery that is long, stressful, and taxing – both physically and financially.

Could My Erb’s Palsy Case Have Been Prevented?

Most cases of Erb’s palsy could have been entirely prevented by precautionary actions by the doctors and other medical professionals. These experienced medical experts have learned how to properly handle and deliver a baby with minimal injury – by committing crucial errors that led to Erb’s palsy, they may have been negligent in their actions.

Even in situations where complications in delivery have led to Erb’s palsy, it may be argued that the doctors on hand share accountability in the end result. After all, doctors are well-trained in how the positioning and size of a baby can affect its health through delivery. By not properly evaluating the size, position, and health of the baby pre-labor, a doctor may be held accountable for negligence in recommending a traditional birth in lieu of less risky births, such as a C-section. Birth injuries caused by negligence, including Erb’s palsy, could be grounds for a lawsuit. Speak with an experienced Michigan medical malpractice lawyer today to learn about your options.

Contact Our Experienced Erb’s Palsy Lawyers Today

If you believe Erb’s palsy in your child was caused by the negligence of a doctor or medical professional, please contact us today. We can help you determine who is liable for your child’s injuries and support you through this stressful time. Our dedicated team of certified medical professionals and Grand Rapids injury lawyers can help you and your family receive the help you deserve.