Erb’s Palsy is a term that describes an injury to the brachial plexus nerves. These are nerves in the upper arm and shoulder area. The injury can cause arm weakness, reduction in movement, reduced sensation or paralysis.
This type of injury can occur in adults, but mainly occurs in children as a result of injury during birth. One of the more common causes of Erb’s Palsy is shoulder dystocia, where the head emerges from the birth canal, but the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the pubic bone. Subsequent pulling on the baby’s head or arm by the doctor or midwife can be too forceful and sometimes in the wrong direction causing injury to the nerves.
Children can sometimes recover from Erb’s Palsy, however they may not do, and may require treatment to manage it and be left with an injury for the whole of their life. Compensation can be sought where this injury has occurred as a result of substandard care.
Claims on behalf of the baby can be brought up to their 21st birthday.
If you believe your child has developed Erb’s Palsy due to errors made during labour and delivery, please contact us to discuss this further.
Parrott & Coales is a part of the Metamorph Group which means we are able to offer a wider range of services to clients through our sister companies. If you would like to get in touch about a query relating to this, please contact us on 0345 124 5995 or 0161 837 6821.
