Erb's Palsy

Brachial Plexus Injury: Valuable Information for Parents

A brachial plexus injury, (or "BPI", or "Erb’s Palsy") is an injury to the large network of nerves within the human body known as the brachial plexus. The brachial plexus runs from the spinal column to all of the muscles in the shoulders and arms. The brachial plexus network conducts signals from the spine to the arm and hand, causing the arm and hand to move.

Children born with BPI may suffer partial or total paralysis of these parts of the body. BPI is commonly associated with a problematic birth. A common cause of BPI is shoulder dystocia. Shoulder dystocia refers to the lodging of one or both of the baby's shoulders behind the mother's pubic bone during birth. In most cases where a baby is too large for vaginal delivery, this situation can be avoided by delivering the baby by Caesarian section. If a doctor delivers the baby vaginally by using too much force, or by using extraordinary measures, stretching or tearing of the nerves may result. A brachial plexus injury is severe, and a child with BPI may need prolonged therapy and, in extreme cases, may need surgery.

A brachial plexus lawsuit can be an effective punishment against unreasonably dangerous or negligent doctors. In most cases, in order to be successful in an Erb’s Palsy lawsuit, the breach of the standard of care, causation and damages must be evaluated. A brachial plexus lawyer can help evaluate a claim against a doctor, nurse or hospital.

Parents of children with erb’s palsy are often left with the incorrect impression that their child simply has a birth defect that could not have been prevented. Parents who have a child suffering with brachial plexus injury should call our Erb’s Palsy lawyers now at 1-800-THE-EAGLE (1-800-843-3245) or SUBMIT A SHORT AND SIMPLE CASE FORM HERE.