Erb’s palsy, also known as brachial plexus palsy, is a condition resulting from a brachial plexus injury. The brachial plexus is the network of nerves that send signals from the spine to the shoulders, arms and hands.
When an infant’s shoulder is caught behind the mother’s pubic bone during childbirth – a circumstance known as shoulder dystocia — an obstetrical emergency may result in a brachial plexus injury as those nerves get stretched or torn. When the upper nerves are damaged, the injury leads to the condition known as Erb’s palsy. When the lower nerves are damaged, the injury leads to a condition known as Klumpke’s palsy. When both the lower and upper nerves of the brachial plexus are injured, total brachial plexus palsy results.
There are four types of Erb’s Palsy:
- Neurapraxia: stretching of the nerve without tearing
- Rupture: tearing of the nerve, without separation from the spinal cord
- Avulsion: the nerve tearing away from the spine
- Neuroma: growth of scar tissue around the injury that places pressure on the healthy, uninjured nerves, preventing these nerves from sending signals to the muscles
Treating Erb’s Palsy
Because a child with Erb’s Palsy typically cannot move the affected limb independently, daily physical therapy is encouraged for proper Erb’s Palsy treatment. Occupational therapy and hydrotherapy might also be part of a treatment regimen. In some cases, a doctor might recommend surgery for Erb’s palsy.
The Cost of Erb’s Palsy for a Family
The total costs associated with Erb’s Palsy vary widely depending on the severity of the nerve injury. Some cases of Erb’s Palsy lead to invasive surgeries, which incur tremendous costs both financially and emotionally. Some cases of Erb’s Palsy lead to paralysis, which makes more care and assistance necessary. Different treatment methods carry vastly different costs. Without help, the cost of these treatments can be more than a family can afford. An Erb’s Palsy lawsuit can result in a settlement that will help to ease this financial burden. An experienced Erb’s Palsy attorney (also known as an Erb’s Palsy lawyer) at Sokolove Law can help. Speak with a nurse case manager to discuss the particular details of your child’s birth injury. The consultation is free.
Filing a birth injury lawsuit cost you nothing. We only receive a fee if we win the case on your behalf, awarding your family the compensation you need and deserve.