New York Erb’s Palsy Attorneys

Dedicated Advocacy for NYC Birth Injury Victims

At Simonson Goodman Platzer PC, our New York Erb’s palsy attorneys understand how emotionally difficult and financially challenging it is for families when a child suffers a birth injury. Our attorneys are committed to helping you secure the fair compensation you are owed so that you can get your child the treatment he or she needs.

With decades of collective experience, our attorneys have successfully obtained settlements and verdicts in 98% of the cases they have handled, amounting to more than $200 million to date for our clients. We are ready to guide you through the process and provide the personalized service you deserve every step of the way.

Why Work With Us?

• Personalized Legal Strategy.
• Work Directly With a Partner.
• Focused Practice Areas for Better Results!
• 98% Success Rate for Our Cases!
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If your child was diagnosed with Erb’s palsy after a difficult labor and birth, you could have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. 

Reach out to our New York Erb’s palsy lawyers at Simonson Goodman Platzer PC for a free consultation to discuss your rights and options.

What is Erb's Palsy?

Erb’s palsy is a condition caused by an injury to the brachial plexus nerves, a bundle of nerves located in the shoulder/neck and which control movement in the shoulder, arm, and hand/fingers. When these nerves are damaged, often as a result of being over-stretched or torn, it can cause issues with movement, function, and sensation on the affected side.

Erb’s palsy can take several forms:

• Nerve damage affecting the upper area of the arm
• Nerve damage affecting both the upper and lower areas of the arm
• Nerve damage leading to paralysis of the hand (Klumpke’s palsy) and, sometimes, a drooping eyelid on the opposing side

Medical professionals are trained in how to deal with complications during labor and delivery that could put the baby at risk. When they do not respond properly, the baby could suffer serious injuries, including damage to the brachial plexus nerves and, ultimately, Erb’s palsy.

What Causes Erb’s Palsy?

As previously mentioned, Erb’s palsy can result when a newborn suffers damage to the brachial plexus nerves. This commonly happens when, during vaginal delivery, the baby’s head delivers but one of the shoulders becomes lodged within the birth canal. This is known as shoulder dystocia. If the delivering doctor pulls on the baby’s head in an attempt to assist in birth, it can stretch or tear the brachial plexus nerves, leading to serious damage.

While shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency, as the baby can experience loss of oxygen if the situation becomes prolonged, medical professionals should remain calm and utilize various techniques to rectify the situation. Doctors receive training in several maneuvers meant to alleviate shoulder dystocia without causing nerve damage. However, when they panic and pull the baby’s head too hard or in the wrong direction, the results can be disastrous.

Symptoms of Erb’s Palsy

Often, Erb’s palsy is not noticeable right away. In fact, you may not notice signs of Erb’s palsy in your child until he or she begins to experience physical developmental delays.

Some of the symptoms of Erb’s palsy in babies/children include:

• Weakness in the affected arm
• Favoring one arm/hand over the other
• Holding an arm bent against the body
• Poor grip strength in the affected hand
• Partial or total paralysis of the arm
• Pain, numbness, and impaired development in the affected arm

If you notice these symptoms in your child, take him or her to a qualified medical professional for assessment. If your child is diagnosed with Erb’s palsy, and you believe his or her injuries are due to a medical professional’s negligent or wrongful conduct, reach out to Simonson Goodman Platzer PC to learn how we can help.

Can Erb's Palsy Be Prevented?

Prenatal care and advance planning by your physician and other medical professionals can prevent this condition. Erb's palsy is a complication that can be caused by certain factors, such as shoulder dystocia, induced labor, larger babies, mothers with a small pelvis, or breech presentation. A physician with experience should be aware of these factors and be prepared for a potential problem.

Despite these factors, proper planning and decision-making during childbirth should prevent shoulder dystocia. Taking preventative measures to avoid this potential birth injury should be a priority for the delivering doctor. They are primarily responsible for Erb's Palsy because they failed to take these actions.

The team of NYC Erb's palsy attorneys at our firm has extensive experience litigating these types of cases, and you should contact one of us to discuss the circumstances that led to your child's injury.

To schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with a New York Erb's Palsy lawyer, contact us online or call (800) 817-5029.