Indianapolis Erb’s Palsy Lawyers: Understanding Your Baby’s Shoulder Injury After Birth

Watching your newborn struggle to move their arm is every parent’s nightmare. It is a frightening experience for parents when a child is born with Erb’s palsy (or also known as Erb-Duchenne Paralysis).

As parents, you trusted your medical team to safely deliver your child. When that trust is broken due to negligence – whether through excessive force during delivery, failure to perform a necessary C-section or improper use of delivery instruments – you deserve answers and accountability. The Indianapolis Erb’s palsy attorneys at Garau Germano, P.C., understand the overwhelming emotions you’re facing and are here to help determine if medical negligence played a role in your child’s injury. You shouldn’t have to face this journey alone or bear the financial burden of a preventable injury.

Suspect Erb’s Palsy Malpractice? Your Consultation Awaits. Call 317-978-9973 or contact us online.

What Is Erb’s Palsy?

Erb’s palsy is the most common type of brachial plexus palsy and is a birth injury that happens when the nerves controlling your baby’s arm get hurt during delivery. Think of these nerves like electrical wires that send messages from your baby’s brain to their arm and hand, telling them how to move. These nerves run from the spine, through the neck and down into the arm.

During a difficult birth, these delicate nerves can get stretched too far, torn or squeezed. When this happens, your baby may have trouble moving their shoulder, arm or hand. Some babies have mild weakness that gets better with time, while others may have more serious problems that last their whole life.

Signs And Symptoms Of Erb’s Palsy

We understand how frightening it can be when you notice something unusual about your baby’s movement. Here are the key signs to watch for:

• Arm positioning: The affected arm hangs limp at the side with the elbow straight and wrist bent
• Limited shoulder movement: Your baby cannot lift or move their shoulder normally
• Reduced grip strength: Weak or absent grasp reflex in the affected hand
• Asymmetrical movement: One arm moves normally while the other remains still during activities
• Moro reflex differences: The startle reflex appears only on the unaffected side
• Facial drooping: In severe cases, one side of the face may appear drooped

Common Causes Of Erb’s Palsy: Differentiating Natural Injury From Medical Negligence

Erb’s palsy can occur naturally during difficult deliveries, but many cases result from preventable medical errors. Natural causes include large babies, prolonged labor or breech presentations. However, medical negligence often plays a role when health care providers use excessive force during delivery, fail to recognize shoulder dystocia, improperly use forceps or vacuum extractors, or delay necessary cesarean sections when complications arise.

How Is Erb’s Palsy Diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis involves several testing methods that we want you to understand:

• Physical examination: Doctors assess muscle strength, reflexes and range of motion in the affected arm
• Electromyography (EMG): This test measures electrical activity in muscles to determine nerve function and damage extent
• Nerve conduction studies: These evaluate how well electrical signals travel through the nerves
• MRI scans: Magnetic resonance imaging provides detailed pictures of nerve damage and surrounding tissues
• CT myelography: This specialized imaging shows nerve root injuries near the spine

These diagnostic tools are crucial for building a strong medical malpractice case, as they provide objective evidence of the injury’s severity and help establish the timeline of when the damage occurred.

Can Erb’s Palsy Be Cured Or Treated?

Treatment options vary depending on severity and may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, nerve grafts or muscle transfers. While some children recover completely, others require ongoing treatment throughout their lives. If medical negligence caused your child’s injury, compensation through a malpractice claim can help cover these extensive treatment costs, including future medical expenses, therapy sessions and adaptive equipment.

Erb’s Palsy Malpractice: Was It A Preventable Injury?

Many babies develop Erb’s palsy due to mistakes that could have been prevented during delivery. Sometimes during birth, the baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone. When this happens, doctors and nurses need to follow certain steps to safely deliver the baby. If they pull too hard on the baby’s head or do not use the right techniques to free the shoulder, they can damage the nerves that cause Erb’s palsy.

When To Seek An Indianapolis Erb’s Palsy Malpractice Attorney

If you suspect medical negligence contributed to your child’s condition, time is critical. Medical malpractice cases have strict filing deadlines, and gathering evidence becomes more difficult as time passes. We recommend consulting with an attorney if your delivery involved complications, if medical staff seemed unprepared for difficulties or if you have questions about the care provided.

How Garau Germano, P.C., Can Help

We understand the overwhelming emotions and financial concerns you face. Our team thoroughly investigates each case, working with medical professionals to determine if negligence occurred. We handle all legal complexities while you focus on your child’s care and recovery, fighting to secure the compensation your family deserves for medical expenses, ongoing care and your child’s future needs.

Compensation For Infants And Families Affected By Erb’s Palsy

If you believe your infant developed Erb’s palsy as a result of medical negligence, you have a right to file a claim against the responsible parties. With the right attorney by your side, you could be awarded the compensation your child needs to live a comfortable life with the best medical care, adaptive equipment and therapy.

You may be able to recover compensation for a wide range of damages, including:

• Treatment costs
• Income you could not earn while caring for your child
• Rehabilitation and movement therapy
• Medical procedures and operations
• Special equipment and tools for daily living and education
• Emotional distress and physical discomfort

Trust Your Case To Our Experienced Indianapolis Erb’s Palsy Lawyers

Our Indianapolis Erb’s palsy attorneys have substantial experience handling medical malpractice claims involving Erb’s palsy and other injuries associated with shoulder dystocia. To learn more about how we can help you and your family, contact us online or call us at 317-978-9973.