Erb's Palsy

Erb’s Palsy (Erb-Duchenne Palsy) is paralysis of the arm resulting from damage or the severing of the upper group of brachial plexus arm nerves. This nerve damage often results from shoulder dystocia arising from a difficult birth. Depending on the extent of damage, paralysis may disappear within a few months, require rehabilitation or mandate surgery. The knowledgeable New York Erbs Palsy Lawyer team at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC has learned Erb’s Palsy can also affect a fetus suffering a clavicle fracture.

Adults can also suffer from Erbs Palsy. A traumatic fall onto one side of the body, head and shoulder resulting in brachial plexus nerve damage can lead to Erbs Palsy. Erb’s Palsy may also arise from the relocation of a dislocated shoulder. Unfortunately, an act of medical malpractice results in Erb’s Palsy. Paralysis from this injury can be partial or complete. According to the New York Erbs Palsy Injury Lawyer staff at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC, nerve damage can vary from bruising to severing.

Common signs of Erb’s Palsy include loss of sensation, paralysis and atrophy of the deltoid and brachialis muscles. The New York Injury Lawyer group at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC has found Erb’s Palsy elicits numerous symptoms, including:

• Paralysis
• Reduced muscle control
• Loss of sensation
• Misaligned shoulder blade
• Stunted growth
• Reduced strength
• Reduced motor function

Nerve damage is typically the most problematic side effect of Erb’s Palsy. At times there is a complete loss of sensory perception in the arm. The portion of the arm between the shoulder and elbow most often experiences the loss of sensory perception. Erb’s Palsy can also elicit stunted arm growth. Stunted arm growth also elicits impaired nervous, muscular and circulatory development. The lack of circulatory development can inhibit the ability to regulate temperature and skin repair.

At times, Erbs Palsy will heal without surgical intervention. Treatment of Erb’s Palsy is usually limited to nerve transfer, Latissimus Dorsi tendon transfer or Sub Scapularis releases.

In most birth injury cases, Erbs Palsy could have been prevented, if medical professionals had properly monitored the mother prior to birth. The New York Medical Malpractice Lawyer team at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC understands baby size is a primary concern of Erb’s Palsy development. During a difficult birth, excessive shoulder pulling can damage the brachial plexus nerves. When a medical professional fails to recognize or anticipate a difficult delivery, complications can elicit injury to the fetus. In many cases of a difficult birth, the medical professional carelessly reacts to a difficult delivery and exerts excessive pressure on the baby’s head, resulting in damage to the brachial plexus nerves and leading to Erb’s Palsy. If you or your child is suffering from Erb’s Palsy, contacting our highly knowledgeable New York Erb’s Palsy Lawyer group may be essential in the successful pursuit of monetary compensation for your injury.

If you or someone you love is suffering from Erb’s Palsy or other serious injury including brain injury or paralysis and associated spinal injury, contact our New York Medical Malpractice Lawyer team at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, PLLC to schedule a free initial legal review of your case. Please call us at 800.696.9529 or online. We have many convenient office locations throughout New York in Westchester County, New York City in Brooklyn, New York, Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, Bronx, Westchester County, or Long Island in Nassau County or Suffolk County.