The birth of a child should be a joyous occasion that parents and family can remember happily for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, far too many newborn children in the United States are impacted by severe and life-altering birth injuries that may have been prevented. One birth injury that impacts thousands of children every year is Erb’s palsy, also known as Brachial Plexus palsy. If your child has been diagnosed with Erb’s palsy, contact our Baton Rouge, LA, Erb’s palsy lawyers today to discuss your options.
What is Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s palsy is a developmental disorder that results from damage to a very specific group of nerves during the birthing process. These nerves called the Brachial Plexus, are located at the base of the neck and control movement in the shoulder, arm, and hand.
During delivery, some babies are positioned in a way that causes their shoulders to become stuck in their mother’s pelvic bone. This issue, known as shoulder dystocia, is not all that uncommon on its own, and there are several accepted techniques that doctors may use to help aid the delivery of the baby when it occurs.
However, in some cases, medical mistakes by the doctor during this process may result in permanent damage to the Brachial Plexus, which causes Erb’s palsy.
What Are The Signs and Symptoms?
Erb’s palsy occurs when the nerves that make up the Brachial Plexus are torn or ruptured. This can cause scar tissue to form around the injury and may block nerve impulses from traveling properly from the Prachial Plexus to the muscles in a child’s arm, wrist, or hands.
Symptoms of this injury may include:
• No muscle control or sensation in the hands or arms
• Ability to move arms, but little to no control over the wrist or hand
• Ability to use hands, but the inability to control the shoulder or elbow
How Often Does Erb’s Palsy Occur?
Tragically, Erb’s palsy impacts thousands of families every year.
It is estimated that between one and two out of every 1,000 live births in the U.S. may result in this permanent and avoidable injury. That means that approximately 5,000 children every year are born with permanent injuries and disabilities caused by Erb’s palsy that could have been prevented.
If your child was born with Erb’s palsy, cerebral palsy, or suffered any type of injury or trauma during the birthing process, our experienced Baton Rouge, LA, Erb’s palsy lawyers will fight for the justice your family deserves.
Contact our experienced lawyers at Gauthier Amedee right away at 225-657-1700 or fill out our online contact form for a free, confidential, and no-obligation consultation about your case.
When you call, one of our dedicated and hardworking attorneys will speak with you for free, investigate your case, and fight hard to get justice for you and your child.
At Gauthier Amedee, you never have to pay any attorney’s fee upfront. In fact, we only get paid after you do. And if there is no recovery, there is no attorney’s fee. It’s that simple. We’re here to work hard for you and to make sure that your rights are fully protected.