Erb's & Klumpke's palsy lawyers of Chicago

A birth injury known as Erb’s palsy is often confused with Klumpke's Palsy. However, Klumpke’s Palsy is an injury that takes place in the lower plexus, whereas Erb’s Palsy is a shoulder dystocia injury that can also occur during the delivery of a newborn.  This shoulder dystocia can result in a complete or partial paralysis of an arm and in some circumstances may be permanent. Klumpke's Palsy often results in paralysis of the hand and wrist and is extremely similar to Erb's Palsy.

Trauma to a newborn can occur during the delivery process when the shoulder of an infant is stuck within the mother’s cervix. The consequences of this situation can lead to severe nerve damage in the arm and shoulder of the newborn. The damage may take place when the obstetrician applies extreme force to release the shoulder from the stuck position.  

Some of the symptoms of Erb’s palsy include:

• Facial paralysis
• Total loss of feeling and muscle control in the arm or hand
• Hand function without shoulder or elbow function
• Limited movement abilities
• Finger and hand paralysis
• Assistance needed to sit upright
• Unable to crawl without therapeutic devices

Mitchell S. Sexner & Associates LLC advances all costs of suit in our Erb’s & Klumpke’s palsy cases and will charge no attorney fees unless we obtain a recovery on your behalf.

Tools, such as forceps or vacuums, are used to assist in delivering the baby. These tools may however, increase the risk of injury. It is the responsibility of the physician to successfully navigate these potential complications. Before delivery, medical staff should recognize the risks that are involved and consider the factors that may contribute to shoulder dystocia. Such increased risk factors include:

• A protracted second stage labor
• A flat or contracted pelvis
• An overweight or short mother
• Maternal diabetes
• A pregnancy lasting longer than 40 weeks

Some children do recover after a just a few months.  But if the child does not recover, surgery may be necessary. Sometimes, even corrective surgery may take months or years before positive results can be seen. But your newborn should not have to suffer due to the negligence or malpractice of a medical professional.