The birth of a child is supposed to be a joyous experience, but occasionally it can become a traumatic one. Birth injuries happen more often than they should, and if your child suffers from one, it could affect his or her entire life. One such birth injury is known as Erb’s Palsy.

Erb’s palsy is typically caused when an infant’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone. Attempting to pull the child out, doctors can sometimes apply too much pressure, tearing the nerve bundle known as the brachial plexus. The nerves can be ruptured or torn from their points of attachment to the spine, resulting in paralysis of the arm.

Fortunately, the majority of the time these nerves are only mildly injured, and the baby often regains movement in a few months. About 20 percent of the time, though, the damage is more severe, and the child may be faced with permanent paralysis of the limb.

The majority of Erb’s palsy cases are avoidable through proper medical care. Whether through an elective cesarean section or through the use of techniques designed to dislodge the infant, a well-prepared delivery team should be capable of avoiding birth injuries leading to Erb’s Palsy. If your child receives a brachial plexus injury during delivery, it could be due to negligence. If you suspect this is the case, contact an attorney to discuss your options.

The Metier Law Firm, LLC – Denver injury lawyers