Also known as brachial plexus birth palsy or shoulder dystocia, Erb’s Palsy is a serious birth injury that can result in a partial or complete paralysis of the arm. Approximately one or two babies per one thousand births will experience this injury, usually as a result of a difficult delivery.

Erb’s Palsy commonly occurs during breech deliveries, when the infant is born feet first and there is excessive pulling of the infant’s shoulders or neck by the medical practitioner – most cases are preventable and usually occur as the result of negligence on the physician’s part. While the majority of patients don’t sustain permanent damage, they often require physical therapy or surgery – the medical expenses and emotional stress on the victim’s family may warrant a medical malpractice lawsuit against the physician or medical institution. Possible financial compensation includes the cost of medical bills and other associated costs – in some lawsuits, punitive damages (to punish the defendant) are also awarded.

If you think your child’s injury was the result of a medical error during delivery in New Jersey or New York, you should enlist the help of a medical malpractice attorney to help claim the proper compensation to provide for your child’s needs.

Sources: legalview.com, brainandspinalcord.org