Boston Erb's Palsy Attorneys
Erb’s palsy or brachial plexus injury can occur during the birth process.
It is due to stretching the network of nerves that pass signals from the spine to the shoulder, arm and hand. If a baby has stuck shoulders (shoulder dystocia), during birth, these nerves can be stretched, bruised or torn. Extreme cases occur when the nerves are torn away from the spine. Brachial plexus birth injuries cause temporary paralysis or numbness that sometimes disappears spontaneously or with physical therapy in the first few months of age. Some injuries require surgical repair. Other injuries do not heal, leaving the individual with lifelong complications, ranging from aesthetic disfigurement to loss of function.
Complications arising from this particular birth injury include the underdevelopment of the limb, which can inhibit growth and leave one arm smaller than the other. It can also cause weakness and limited range of motion and impede healing of subsequent injuries to the arm and hand during childhood and later in life, especially skin injuries that can take a long time to heal and are susceptible to infection due to poor circulation.
Erb’s palsy, a form of brachial plexus can be caused when the medical practitioner exerts too much force, pressing the baby’s head away from the shoulder during delivery. This occurs in up to two babies per 1,000 births. Whether this type of delivery is due to a life threatening emergency situation or due to the carelessness, impatience and disregard for the welfare of the baby, it is traumatic for everyone. The consequences are real, and the shock can be overwhelming. Your baby may need different kinds of therapy and medical intervention, which are expensive and stressful for you and your child. The emotional stress of waiting to see if your infant will have any permanent damage can wear on you and the rest of the family.
The Boston birth injury attorneys at the Kiley Law Group are dedicated to helping victims and families who are dealing with the aftermath of birth injuries like Erb’s palsy/brachial plexus. We have the compassion and the knowledge it takes to be supportive while getting the job done, securing the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.
