Erb's Palsy & Shoulder Dystocia

Our Michigan birth injury lawyers handle birth defect and birth injury cases involving brachial plexus injuries. These injuries are classified as either Erb's Palsy or Klumpke's Palsy. Erb's palsy is one of the most common and serious of all shoulder dystocia injuries, a type of trauma which results from a newborn's shoulder becoming stuck behind the mother's cervix during delivery. It results in damage to the nerves connecting the arm and shoulder from the use of excessive force or torque by the obstetrician, to release the stuck shoulder of the newborn.

More specifically, when a baby's shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother's pubic bone the baby's head delivers but the shoulders do not follow. This condition is known as a shoulder dystocia. It is one of the most difficult obstacles that can occur during delivery because it carries with it the potential for high risk complications.

At this point the physician must perform a particular delivery maneuver avoiding the placement of pressure on the shoulder. If this procedure is done improperly, an Erb's Palsy can occur where the nerve tissue between the arm and shoulder is stretched, partially torn or completely ruptured.

These affected nerves are referred to as the "brachial plexus nerves" and emerge from the spinal cord, travel across the shoulder, along the arms, into the hand and ultimately, to the fingers tips. The injury which results to these nerves can cause the shoulder dystocia victim to suffer a potentially permanent, partial or complete paralysis of the arm. Many common symptoms include:

1. No muscle control and no feeling in the arm or hand.

2. The ability to move but with little control.

3. The use of hands but not of the shoulder or elbow.

4. The entire arm may be paralyzed with the hand and fingers hanging limp.

5. Facial paralysis on the affected side.

6. Not able to sit up without assistance.

7. The inability to crawl without the use of therapeutic devices.

Many of these symptoms can improve with appropriate medical intervention, like physicial therapy, but others are permanent and last a lifetime. These impact on a child's self-esteem, the ability to engage in regular childhood activities, and often later on a person's ability to obtain gainful employment.

A properly trained physician will often recognize the risk factors for Erb's palsy before the birth of the baby. Common risk factors include high birth weight, mother's diabetes, a heavy mother, pregnancy beyond 40 weeks, and other factors. The failure to recognize these potential risks and act accordingly may constitute negligence or medical malpractice.

Many Michigan parents care for a child, injured at birth. If your child was injured at birth, it is important contact us to discuss your case. You can also learn more about Michigan medical malpractice lawsuits by requesting our FREE BOOK, "The Ultimate Michigan Medical Malpractice Handbook."

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