Hawaii Erb’s Palsy Attorneys

Erb’s palsy is a condition caused by injury to the brachial plexus nerves, which extend from the spinal cord, through the neck and shoulder, and down into the wrist, hand, and fingers. In a difficult delivery, these nerves may be stretched, torn, or pulled completely from the spinal cord.

If your child has been diagnosed with Erb’s palsy, it is time to consider whether this condition was caused by substandard medical care during labor or delivery. A Hawaii Erb’s palsy attorney at Davis Levin Livingston can talk to you about what occurred during childbirth, can review medical records, and can offer an initial assessment of whether you may have a claim. With a medical director and nurse on staff to help you, they can effectively review your situation from medical and legal standpoints to offer the most accurate guidance.

For a free review with an experienced and knowledgeable professional, call (808) 740-0633 or contact the firm online. Davis Levin Livingston serves Honolulu and all of Hawaii.

When Doctor’s Negligence Leads to Erb’s Palsy

Erb’s Palsy can occur if your baby is too large to easily exit the birth canal. If your baby’s shoulder gets stuck, which is called shoulder dystocia, your doctor might pull the child too forcefully, stretching and injuring the nerves between that shoulder and the neck.

Other causes of Erb's palsy may involve:

• Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractor in an instrument-assisted delivery
• Failure to recommend a C-section
• Failure to diagnose fetal macrosomia (large infant)
• Too much force applied by a doctor in manually assisting a vaginal delivery
• Too much force applied by a doctor or nurse in performing a C-section

Your medical team has a duty to ensure you and your baby are provided a certain standard of care. When your medical team breaches this duty and your child suffers Erb’s Palsy as a result, you can hold the entire team liable in a birth injury claim. Your attorney will investigate your case, determine all parties that should be held accountable, and help you take steps toward seeking damages.

Treatment for Erb’s Palsy

Although mild cases of Erb’s Palsy will heal on their own, your baby should undergo physical therapy to keep the arm from stiffening. Gentle massage techniques and range of motion exercises can keep muscles strong and prevent joint contractures.

In cases of more extensive nerve damage, surgery might be required. In some cases, tendon transplants might be necessary to help the nerves function properly. This option would have to be delayed until your baby is between 3 and 6 months of age.

Even after surgery, the healing period for Erb’s Palsy could last longer than 2 years. In some instances, the affected arm will continue to be weak and the range of motion will always be limited.

Don't Wait to Get Help; Consultations are FREE

When Erb’s palsy is caused by medical malpractice, a failure to provide standard care, the family of the injured child may be able to pursue financial compensation from the at-fault party. This compensation may cover medical care, ongoing treatment, surgery, medication, assistive devices, and all other costs associated with the child’s immediate, long-term, or lifelong care.

Our Hawaii Erb’s palsy lawyers are here to help you recover a fair settlement or award for your child’s birth injury. To learn more, give us a call at (808) 740-0633 to schedule a free consultation.