Erb’s Palsy often happens when a baby gets stuck during birth after the head is delivered. This type of birth trauma can involve complications with the baby’s head and baby’s shoulder, leading to injury of the brachial plexus nerves. Brachial plexus injuries, also called brachial plexus palsy or brachial plexus paralysis, can result from excessive force or improper handling by medical professionals during delivery. This can be caused by the baby’s shoulder getting stuck in the pelvis. This is called shoulder dystocia.
Babies with Erb’s Palsy might have trouble moving their shoulder but can still move their fingers. If both upper and lower trunk nerves are stretched and damaged, the condition is more severe and is called global or total brachial plexus birth injury, affecting the shoulder, arm, and hand. Children affected by Erb’s Palsy may suffer partial or complete paralysis of the arm, and in severe cases, the child has Erb’s Palsy for life.
If Erb’s Palsy is caused or made worse because of medical mistakes, it may be possible to get compensation. A claim for Erb’s Palsy or a clinical negligence claim may be possible if medical negligence or mistakes by medical staff led to the child’s injury.
Medical mistakes that are linked to Erb’s Palsy include:
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poor decisions being made during labour including failure to refer for c-section in a timely manner
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wrong tools or excessive force being used during the delivery of a baby
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failures to advise of risks relating to Erb’s Palsy.
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Failing to follow correct protocols for delivery when shoulder dystocia is identified.
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Medical negligence cases and medical negligence claims related to Erb’s Palsy.
Children with Erb’s Palsy can regain some feeling and motion in the affected arm over time and with regular physical therapy. However, many children will continue to experience some weakness in the shoulder, arm, hand or fingers throughout their life, or may need more invasive treatments such as surgery. Some children may suffer partial loss of movement, while others may experience complete paralysis, and brain injury can also occur in cases of complicated delivery. Making a successful claim means you will be able to access funds to provide your child with therapy above and beyond what may be available for free from the NHS.
