About 1 or 2 babies out of 1000 suffer brachial plexus injuries at birth.

What is Erb's Palsy?

Erb's Palsy is a form of brachial plexus palsy.  Brachial Plexus Palsy affects the nerves in the arm and hand.  Erb's Palsy affects the muscles around the shoulder and elbow. As many as 60% of brachial plexus palsy injuries are of the Erb's Palsy type.

Erb's Palsy usually results in limitation of movement, or even complete paralysis, of a child's arm and shoulder.  Erb's Palsy is often caused by a traumatic injury to the upper brachial plexus (the nerves in the upper arm).  It most commonly occurs in childbirth as a result of forcible traction during delivery.

What are the symptoms of Erb's Palsy?

Erb's Palsy symptoms can include a loss of feeling or control in the arm.  The child may have difficulty using their arm or shoulder.  There may be paralysis or atrophy of the deltoid, the biceps, and the brachialis muscles. The arm on the affected side may hang loosely with the elbow extended and the forearm pronated.

Is Erb's Palsy preventable?

Modern medical techniques make Erb's Palsy largely preventable.  Of course,  not all cases of Erb's Palsy are the result of medical negligence.  But some are.  A parent should consider the possibility that a doctor may not done all that is possible to prevent Erb's Palsy and at least make an inquiry into their rights and the rights of their child. 

Contact us to find out what rights and remedies your child and you may have.  We will evaluate your child's case for free.  We are here to help.