Erb’s Palsy Birth Injury Lawyers in San Antonio

Advocating for Infant Victims of Erb’s Palsy & Their Parents

Doctors must exercise extreme care and caution when delivering a baby. One risk during birth is the onset of Erb’s palsy. If you suspect your child’s Erb’s palsy is the result of medical malpractice, talk with our team at Maloney Law Group, P.L.L.C. today.

We know that no amount of money can erase the suffering you and your child have experienced. However, we do believe that your medical team should be held accountable for their actions. The financial implications of Erb’s palsy can be far-reaching. Make sure the responsible party covers these expenses.

On This Page

• What Is Erb’s Palsy?
• How Medical Malpractice Can Lead to Erb’s Palsy
• Let a Compassionate Team Fight for You

What Is Erb’s Palsy?

Erb’s palsy is a form of obstetric brachial plexus disorder. It can be caused by shoulder dystocia that occurs in the birth canal. Erb’s palsy can range from lack of feeling in the fingers to full paralysis of the arm and trunk. It is a nerve condition, caused by damage to the baby’s neck where the fifth and sixth cranial nerves merge.

Some cases of Erb's palsy can be corrected by surgery or physical therapy. However, these cures can be expensive. Filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties could make treatment more accessible for your baby.

How Medical Malpractice Can Lead to Erb’s Palsy

Any damage to the shoulder or neck during birth can result in Erb's palsy.

Here are some common scenarios where medical negligence can cause Erb’s palsy:

• Improper Use of Forceps or Vacuum Extractor: If a healthcare provider uses excessive force when pulling the baby out, particularly when using tools like forceps or a vacuum extractor, it can stretch or tear the nerves in the baby’s shoulder, leading to Erb's palsy.
• Failure to Perform a Timely C-Section: In cases of shoulder dystocia, where the baby's shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone during delivery, prompt action is required. If the doctor fails to recognize or appropriately handle this complication, it can result in excessive force on the baby’s shoulder nerves.
• Mismanagement of Shoulder Dystocia: Shoulder dystocia is a known risk factor for brachial plexus injuries. If the medical team does not follow proper techniques to safely deliver the baby in this situation (such as the McRoberts maneuver or applying suprapubic pressure), the baby’s nerves may become damaged.
• Excessive Pulling on the Baby’s Neck: If there is too much traction on the baby’s neck during delivery, especially when trying to guide the baby through the birth canal, this can stretch and damage the brachial plexus, leading to Erb's palsy.
• Improper Delivery Techniques for Breech Births: In breech deliveries (when the baby is positioned feet-first), mishandling the baby's body, particularly by pulling on the legs or torso, can place pressure on the brachial plexus, causing nerve damage.

When these types of medical errors occur, they can result in permanent or temporary damage to the brachial plexus nerves, which causes the characteristic weakness or paralysis in the affected arm seen in Erb’s palsy. Families may pursue medical malpractice claims if they believe that the injury was caused by preventable mistakes during the childbirth process.

Physicians should be aware of situations where Erb’s palsy is a risk and should order emergency C-sections when necessary to protect the baby from harm.

Let a Compassionate Team Fight for You

Seek justice after the devastating effects of medical malpractice. Our firm has been recognized throughout Texas for our personal injury representation. We know what it takes to tackle even the most complicated of cases. You can count on our San Antonio birth injury lawyers to handle your case with care, compassion, and competence.