Questions?Statistics on Erb’s Palsy: What Parents Need to Know
Learning Erb’s palsy statistics helps families understand the condition’s impact and potential outcomes.
- Erb’s palsy occurs in as many as 2.6 per 1,000 live births, making it one of the most common birth injuries.
- 80% to 90% of infants recover fully or almost fully with early treatment.
- About 10% of cases result in lasting complications, sometimes requiring surgery or long-term therapy.
- Neglected cases of Erb’s palsy can lead to a 20% to 30% permanent decrease in nerve function.
- Erb’s palsy is often caused by medical errors during childbirth.
Erb’s palsy statistics show that early treatment, including physical or occupational therapy, is key to recovery. However, Erb’s palsy treatment can be expensive.
Erb’s palsy is often caused by medical errors during childbirth, so many families choose to take legal action, which may help cover these costs.
We work with top birth injury lawyers across the nation who may be able to help you access money to get your child the care they need.
The Erb’s palsy lawyers in our network have helped families nationwide recover over $1 billion from birth injury lawsuits, including brachial plexus damage.
Find out if they can help you seek the financial compensation and justice your family deserves.
Get a free case review right now.
How Common Is Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s palsy is one of the more common birth injuries. It typically occurs during difficult deliveries and affects the nerves responsible for movement and sensation in the shoulder and upper arm, called the brachial plexus.
Understanding how often it occurs can help families recognize potential risks and outcomes. Get more Erb’s palsy statistics below.
Key Statistics on Erb’s Palsy Prevalence
Erb’s palsy affects 0.9 to 2.6 out of every 1,000 live births in the United States, according to Cleveland Clinic. Similar rates are reported worldwide. It accounts for nearly half of all brachial plexus injuries.
Larger infants, assisted deliveries that use tools like forceps or vacuum devices, and shoulder dystocias (when a baby’s head delivers but shoulders get stuck) are common risk factors.
Erb’s Palsy Statistics and Data by Demographics
Certain groups have higher rates of Erb’s palsy diagnosis. Erb’s palsy statistics show that mothers from low-income communities face the highest risk.
Some families may have limited access to prenatal care, making it harder to identify risks like gestational diabetes. They may also give birth in overcrowded hospitals with under-resourced or less experienced medical staff, increasing the risk of delivery-related injuries.
- Babies delivered in breech position (feet or bottom first)
- Deliveries involving forceps delivery or vacuum extraction
- Infants with macrosomia (weighing more than 8 pounds, 13 ounces at birth)
Understanding Erb’s palsy statistics is an important step in monitoring risk factors to prevent the condition from happening during childbirth.
If your child was harmed, you may be able to take legal action, which can mean getting the money you need for your child’s care.
Call the Birth Injury Justice Center right now at (800) 914-1562 or Click to Live Chat to see if we can connect you with a top brachial plexus injury lawyer near you.
Statistics on Erb’s Palsy Causes
Erb’s palsy is often linked to complications during childbirth, especially issues that involve excessive pressure or improper techniques during delivery.
A recent analysis of 22 studies covering over 29 million live births in high-income countries identified key risk factors for brachial plexus birth injuries, including Erb’s palsy.
Learn about the results of the study below, which was published in the medical journal Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology.
Preventable Causes of Erb’s Palsy
Erb’s palsy statistics show that preventable errors during delivery are a leading cause of brachial plexus injuries.
- Failing to manage macrosomia (high birth weight) increases the risk nearly 10 times
- Mishandling of maternal diabetes makes injuries about 5 times more likely
- Mismanaging breech deliveries doubles the risk of brachial plexus injuries
Learning Erb’s palsy statistics helps families see how delivery practices can affect their child’s health.
Statistics on Erb’s Palsy From Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia is a leading cause of Erb’s palsy. This condition occurs when a baby’s shoulder gets stuck during delivery, stretching or tearing the brachial plexus nerves.
- Shoulder dystocia affects up to 1.4% of average-weight babies and up to 9% of larger babies over 8 lbs. 13 oz.
- Babies are over 100 times more likely to experience brachial plexus injuries when shoulder dystocia occurs.
- Cesarean sections (C-sections) reduce the risk of brachial plexus injuries by over 90%, making them a critical option for high-risk pregnancies.
If you’re uncertain about the cause of Erb’s palsy in your child, reach out to our team at the Birth Injury Justice Center.
We have experienced registered nurses on staff who can help you understand whether medical malpractice may have played a role in your child’s condition.
There is no cost to speak with us and no obligation to move forward with an Erb’s palsy lawsuit. Connect with a nurse now.
Beth has more than 18 years of specialized experience in labor and delivery. She’s available to hear your story and help you figure out the cause of your child’s injury — and what you can do next.
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Call or chat with a caring, experienced nurse right now — we’re standing by to get you help and answers.
Statistics on Types of Brachial Plexus Injuries
Brachial plexus injuries vary in severity and the areas of the spine affected.
Below are statistics on Erb’s palsy and other types of brachial plexus palsy:
- Erb’s palsy: This is the most common type, accounting for 45% to 50% of all brachial plexus palsy cases. It involves damage to the nerves at the C5 to C6 sections of the spine.
- Extended Erb’s palsy: This form of brachial plexus palsy is associated with an injury at the C7 section of the spine. It accounts for about 20% of brachial plexus palsy cases.
- Klumpke’s palsy: This is the rarest form of brachial plexus palsy. It accounts for less than 1% of all cases and involves damage to the C8 to T1 sections of the spine.
- Total plexus involvement (global brachial plexus palsy): Total plexus involvement accounts for 35% of brachial plexus palsy cases. It is the second most common form of the condition and is sometimes called total brachial plexus paralysis. All muscles in the shoulder, arm, hand, and fingers are affected.
Klumpke’s palsy can sometimes include Horner’s syndrome. This condition may lead to facial changes, such as a drooping eyelid (ptosis), a small pupil (miosis), and reduced sweating (anhidrosis) on one side of the face.
Key Statistics on Erb’s Palsy Recovery Rates
Recovery depends on the severity of the injury, the timing of treatment, and the specific Erb’s palsy diagnosis your child receives.
Recovery Outcomes Based on Severity
Understanding Erb’s palsy statistics on recovery can help families prepare for potential outcomes.
- Mild injuries: 80% to 90% recover fully or almost fully without surgery, often within 3 to 6 months.
- Moderate injuries: Recovery varies; some improve within 6 to 12 months, but partial limitations may persist.
- Severe injuries: Cases requiring surgery often take 6 to 12 months to show improvement, with full recovery potentially taking years.
Timely diagnosis and appropriate Erb’s palsy treatment greatly improve the likelihood of recovery and help reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Timeframes for Natural Recovery vs. Post-Treatment Outcomes
Most infants with Erb’s palsy begin to recover within the first few months after birth through natural nerve healing or therapy.
Significant improvements are typically observed 6 to 12 months after the surgical procedures, though complete recovery may take longer.
Neglected or untreated cases may result in permanent deficits in 20% to 30% of children, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention.
Erb’s Palsy Treatment Success Rates
Effective treatments for Erb’s palsy depend on the injury’s severity and the timing of care. While many children recover without surgery, others with severe injuries may require surgical intervention to improve arm and shoulder function.
Early treatment plays a critical role in achieving the best outcomes.
Statistics on Erb’s Palsy Treatment
Understanding Erb’s palsy statistics on treatment outcomes can help families make informed decisions about care.
- Surgery for Erb’s palsy can improve function or result in partial to full recovery in 60% to 80% of severe cases.
- Up to 80% of children with mild to moderate injuries achieve full or near-full recovery through non-surgical treatments like physical therapy.
- Visible improvements are seen in about 75% of cases with physical therapy alone within six months of starting treatment.
Non-surgical treatments often result in significant improvements, especially when started early. For severe injuries, surgical interventions can improve recovery.
Success Rates for Treatment Options
For severe cases of Erb’s palsy, surgery is often recommended when non-surgical methods don’t lead to sufficient improvement. Surgical treatments aim to restore nerve function and mobility.
- Recovery timeframes: Post-surgical improvements often appear within 6 to 12 months, while full recovery can take several years, depending on the injury’s severity.
- Success rates: Surgery improves function in most cases, with many children regaining significant use of the affected arm.
Early treatment prevents long-term complications, such as joint stiffness or muscle atrophy (loss of muscle tissue).
Compensation from an Erb’s palsy settlement can help cover the costs of therapy, surgery, and long-term care.
Find out how taking legal action may provide the resources your child needs. Get a free case review right now.
Erb’s Palsy Statistics on Long-Term Effects
The long-term effects of Erb’s palsy vary depending on the injury’s severity and the timing of treatment. While many children recover fully, some experience lasting challenges requiring ongoing care and support.
Long-Term Impact on Children
Erb’s palsy can lead to significant physical and emotional effects, particularly for those with severe injuries.
- 20% to 30% of children with severe injuries have permanent nerve damage or reduced mobility in the affected arm.
- Early intervention significantly improves outcomes, with up to 80% of children regaining normal or near-normal mobility when treated promptly.
- Lifelong complications can include muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, and limited range of motion.
Ongoing care is often necessary for children with unresolved injuries, contributing to high medical expenses and missed work for caregivers.
Emotional and Psychological Effects
Caring for a child with Erb’s palsy can be emotionally and financially challenging for families. Parents and siblings often face stress and anxiety while managing the demands of the condition.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, and compensation from an Erb’s palsy lawsuit can help families cover necessary care and plan for the future.
With the right therapy and support, most children with Erb’s palsy are able to thrive.
Get Legal Help for Erb’s Palsy
The Birth Injury Justice Center understands that your child’s well-being is the top priority.
Filing an Erb’s palsy lawsuit can provide much-needed funds to cover your child’s medical expenses and treatment.
We’ve partnered with leading Erb’s palsy law firms that can help families in all 50 states.
If you qualify, our legal partners can:
- Evaluate your case to confirm your eligibility
- Handle all legal work and gather the necessary evidence
- Fight to secure the compensation your family needs
Our legal partners have secured more than $1 billion for families affected by preventable birth injuries, and they may be able to help yours, too.
Call us right now at (800) 914-1562 or fill out our case review form to see if we can help you provide a brighter future for your child.
Erb’s Palsy Statistics FAQs
How common is Erb's palsy?
Erb’s palsy occurs in approximately 0.9 to 2.6 out of every 1,000 live births. This makes it one of the most common birth injuries.
Sadly, the condition is usually preventable, which means it is often caused by medical mistakes during childbirth. If your child was harmed, a skilled Erb’s palsy lawyer may be able to help.
Call us right now at (800) 914-1562 or Click to Live Chat to find out if we can connect you with a leading attorney near you.
What is the recovery rate for Erb's palsy?
About 80% to 90% of children with Erb’s palsy recover fully or nearly fully with early treatment, such as physical therapy. Severe cases may require surgical intervention, and some children may experience lasting complications.
What is the most common congenital nerve palsy?
Erb’s palsy is the most common congenital nerve palsy, typically caused by brachial plexus injuries during difficult deliveries.
What percentage of people have Erb's palsy?
Erb’s palsy affects 0.09% to 0.26% of live births, which means fewer than 0.3% of people are born with this condition.
How much compensation for Erb's palsy?
The average birth injury settlement is over $1 million for severe harm.
However, Erb’s palsy lawsuit compensation depends on factors like:
- Extent of negligence
- Long-term effects
- Ongoing medical needs
- Severity of harm
Experienced birth injury lawyers can review your case and let you know how much compensation you might receive. These attorneys work to get you the maximum amount allowed by law.
If you qualify, we can connect you with an experienced lawyer who can file an Erb’s palsy lawsuit on your behalf.
Get a free case review right now to see if we can connect you with a top attorney near you.
