When a child is born, he or she does not have the muscle strength to support and protect the rest of the body, including the nerves. For instance, undeveloped neck muscles make babies vulnerable to abusive head trauma and shaken baby syndrome. Another type of nerve injury for newborns is called Erb's palsy. This can lead to permanent paralysis throughout a child's arm.

Erb's palsy occurs when there is damage to the brachial plexus. The brachial plexus is a bundle of nerves that starts in the spinal cord in the neck, travels over your shoulder, and extends down the arm into the fingers. Thus, damage to this group of nerves can cause paralysis anywhere from the shoulders to the fingers. Erb's palsy specifically describes paralysis in the upper arm and inability to rotate the lower portion of the arm. Other palsies associated with brachial plexus injuries include Klumpke's palsy.

Although adults can suffer from brachial plexus injuries in car accidents and other mishaps, babies typically experience this nerve damage during or right after birth. Sometimes, it may be the result of shoulder dystocia. With shoulder dystocia, an infant's head may pass through the birth canal, but the upper shoulder gets caught against the mother's pubic bone. This can be caused by problems such as malformed pelvis in the mother or a larger-than-normal child, called macrosomia.

If shoulder dystocia occurs, the doctor can use special maneuvering techniques to help release the child from the birth canal. However, if the physician panics, he or she may be tempted to pull on the child to force the infant from the birth canal. This tugging can stretch or even tear the nerves of the brachial plexus, leading to Erb's palsy.

Besides shoulder dystocia, Erb's palsy can occur if a doctor uses excessive force with vacuums, forceps, or other tools during delivery. Additionally, mishandling after birth, such as yanking the child by the head or arm, can also lead to this condition.

While some cases of paralysis may be temporary, many are permanent. This can leave your precious son or daughter with an irreversible disability. If you believe that medical malpractice has caused your child to suffer Erb's palsy, you do have the option to fight back. Our attorneys believe that medical professionals including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and more are responsible for helping you, not harming you.