Atlanta Erb’s Palsy Attorneys

Helping Families in Georgia & Nationwide

Erb's palsy is a type of brachial plexus palsy that affects the nerves of the upper arm and shoulder. It is a birth injury that often results from trauma during a difficult delivery. Erb's palsy is preventable, and it often only occurs when a doctor or other healthcare provider makes a mistake. If your child has Erb's palsy, you may be entitled to take legal action. Our firm can help you understand your rights and options.

Call (404) 609-1081 to speak with our Erb's palsy lawyers in Atlanta, GA. We offer free initial consultations.

Causes & Risk Factors of Erb’s Palsy

Erb's palsy is caused when there is an injury to the brachial plexus. The brachial plexus is a cluster of nerves located near the neck and shoulder. These nerves are responsible for transmitting signals from the brain to the shoulder, arm, and hand. When the brachial plexus is damaged, the arm and shoulder may be weak or paralyzed.

While Erb's palsy is a birth injury, it is not a congenital condition. Instead, it is caused by damage to the brachial plexus during birth. This damage may be caused by a variety of factors, including improper use of medical instruments, excessive force applied during delivery, or the baby becoming stuck in the birth canal.

Some of the most common causes of Erb's palsy include:

• Shoulder dystocia
• Excessive pulling on the shoulders
• Excessive pulling on the head and neck
• Improper use of birth-assisting tools, such as forceps and vacuum extractors
• Failure to perform a C-section when necessary

While the exact cause of your child's Erb's palsy may be unknown, our team can investigate the circumstances of your child's birth to determine if medical malpractice was a factor.

What Are the Symptoms of Erb’s Palsy?

Erb's palsy is characterized by weakness or paralysis of the arm and/or shoulder. The baby may be unable to move the affected arm and may not have a Moro reflex on that side. The Moro reflex is an involuntary reaction that causes newborns to open their arms wide and then close them again, often in response to a loud noise or sudden movement. If the baby does not have a Moro reflex on one side, it may be a sign of Erb's palsy.

Other symptoms of Erb's palsy may include:

• Arm and shoulder pain
• Numbness or lack of sensation in the arm
• Arm bent at the elbow and held against the body
• Arm bent at the wrist and held to the side of the head
• Arm that is limp and cannot be moved

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention right away. 

How Is Erb’s Palsy Diagnosed?

A doctor can usually diagnose Erb's palsy by performing a physical examination and reviewing the baby's medical history. In some cases, additional diagnostic tests may be ordered to determine the extent of the damage. These tests may include an electromyography (EMG) test, X-rays, ultrasounds and other imaging tests, and nerve conduction tests.

What Is the Treatment for Erb’s Palsy?

There is no cure for Erb's palsy, and the condition cannot be reversed. However, early intervention and ongoing treatment can help improve the baby's symptoms and, in some cases, lead to a full recovery.

Some of the most common treatments for Erb's palsy include:

• Physical therapy
• Range-of-motion exercises
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy
• Medication for pain and inflammation
• Surgery (in severe cases)

How Can Erb’s Palsy Be Prevented?

Erb's palsy is a preventable birth injury. It is caused by trauma to the brachial plexus, which can be avoided if proper care is taken during labor and delivery. Healthcare providers should be able to recognize the risk factors for Erb's palsy and take appropriate steps to prevent injury.

For example, if a baby is too large to fit through the birth canal, a C-section may be necessary to avoid a difficult delivery and the risk of injury. Similarly, if a baby becomes stuck in the birth canal, a doctor should know how to safely and properly use birth-assisting tools to facilitate delivery without causing harm.

When a doctor or other healthcare provider fails to provide a reasonable standard of care and a baby is injured as a result, the family may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. Our Erb's palsy attorneys in Atlanta can help you understand your rights and options.

What Is the Statute of Limitations in GA?

In Georgia, the statute of limitations for birth injury lawsuits is generally two years from the date of the injury. However, if the injury is not discovered right away, the statute of limitations can be extended to five years. 

If you suspect that your child was injured at birth due to medical negligence, it's important to act quickly. Call our team at Cunningham Bounds today so we can start investigating the cause of your child's injury.

How Our Firm Can Help You

At Cunningham Bounds, we have been representing the injured since 1958. We have a proven track record of success, having recovered billions of dollars for our clients over the years.

We have handled many types of birth injury cases, including those involving Erb's palsy. Our firm has the resources to take on even the most complex cases, and we are not afraid to go up against large hospitals and insurance companies. Our Atlanta Erb's palsy lawyers can help you fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed.

Call (404) 609-1081 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with our team.