Erb's Palsy or Brachial Plexus Injury

If a baby’s head and/or neck are pulled too hard during labor or delivery, or if the head or neck is twisted or bent too far, damage to the sensitive nerves in the upper spine and neck, known as the Brachial Plexus, can lead  to a condition known as Erb’s palsy. Erb’s palsy, also referred to as Klumke’s palsy and Brachial Plexus Paralysis, leads to paralysis, loss of muscle control or feeling in hands and arms, facial paralysis, an inability to sit up, crawl or use the arms or hands.

If an obstetrician is properly monitoring a pregnancy, the size and position of the baby should be known to the doctor and the medical team on hand.  There are several common practices to prevent Brachial Plexus and other birth injuries.  Rotating the baby while it is still in-utero or performing an episiotomy or a C-section are examples of methods used to prevent this injury from taking place. Failure to respond quickly or correctly to the baby’s distress or using too much force at the wrong time can lead to a lifetime of difficulty.

For further information regarding Erb's palsy, click here to view a video featuring Dr. Bruce Fagel.

If the delivery or labor has resulted in a child suffering from Erb's palsy, call the office of Dr. Bruce Fagel at (800) 541-9376 for a free and confidential legal review of your situation. If you cannot call, please fill out our Contact Us form and tell us when to call you.