For many parents, learning that their child has suffered a birth injury can be devastating. One of the most common birth injuries associated with difficult deliveries is Erb’s palsy, a condition caused by damage to the brachial plexus nerves that control movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm, and hand.
While not every case of Erb’s palsy is preventable, many injuries occur during complicated deliveries where known risk factors are present. Understanding how Erb’s palsy happens, what risk factors may increase the likelihood of injury, and when medical negligence may play a role can help families make informed decisions about their child’s care.
Erb’s palsy is a type of brachial plexus birth injury that affects the nerves responsible for movement and sensation in the shoulder and upper arm. Damage to these nerves may occur when excessive force is applied to a baby’s head, neck, or shoulders during delivery.
The severity of Erb’s palsy can vary significantly. Some children experience temporary weakness that improves over time, while others may suffer permanent nerve damage requiring surgery and ongoing treatment.
Erb’s palsy most commonly occurs during difficult deliveries where the baby’s shoulders become stuck during birth, or excessive force is used to assist delivery.
Shoulder dystocia occurs when a baby’s shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother’s pelvic bone after the head has already been delivered. This creates a medical emergency that requires prompt and appropriate intervention.
If shoulder dystocia is not managed properly, the brachial plexus nerves may become stretched or torn, resulting in permanent injury.
In some cases, healthcare providers may apply excessive force while attempting to assist with delivery. Pulling too aggressively on the baby’s head, neck, or shoulders can place significant stress on the brachial plexus nerves.
When accepted delivery techniques are not followed, these injuries may be preventable.
Certain circumstances may increase the likelihood of shoulder dystocia and brachial plexus injuries during childbirth.
Common risk factors include:
Identifying these risk factors before delivery allows healthcare providers to develop a safer delivery plan and reduce the likelihood of injury.
Not all cases of Erb’s palsy can be prevented. However, many injuries may be avoided through proper prenatal care, careful monitoring during labor, and appropriate management of delivery complications.
Healthcare providers are expected to:
When these precautions are followed, the risk of preventable birth injuries may be reduced.
Parents may notice symptoms shortly after birth, particularly if one arm appears weaker than the other.
Common signs of Erb’s palsy include:
Doctors typically diagnose Erb’s palsy through a physical examination and may order imaging studies or nerve testing to evaluate the severity of the injury.
Treatment depends on the severity of the nerve damage.
Mild injuries may improve with:
More severe injuries may require:
Many children experience significant improvement with early intervention, although some injuries may result in lasting limitations.
Not every brachial plexus injury results from malpractice. However, healthcare providers are generally expected to identify risk factors, manage labor appropriately, and respond correctly to delivery complications.
Medical negligence may occur when providers:
When preventable delivery errors contribute to a child’s injury, families may face years of medical treatment, therapy, and emotional hardship.
A brachial plexus birth injury can have lasting effects on both a child and their family. While some children recover fully, others may require ongoing treatment and support for years to come.
If you believe your child’s Erb’s palsy may have been caused by preventable medical errors during pregnancy or delivery, Weiss & Paarz may be able to help you understand your legal options. Contact our office today for a free consultation to discuss your situation and learn more about your rights.
No. While some cases occur despite appropriate medical care, others may be linked to preventable delivery complications such as improper management of shoulder dystocia or excessive force during delivery.
Risk factors may include shoulder dystocia, large birth weight, prolonged labor, breech presentation, maternal diabetes, prior history of a shoulder dystocia during a previous delivery, small pelvic structure, and assisted deliveries involving forceps or vacuum extraction.
Many children experience partial or complete recovery with therapy and treatment. However, severe nerve injuries may result in permanent weakness, loss of function, and/or require surgical intervention.
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, thorough and careful evaluation of arm movement and reflexes, and, in some cases, imaging studies or nerve testing to determine the severity of the injury.
Treatment may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, range-of-motion exercises, nerve graft procedures, nerve transfer surgery, and long-term rehabilitation, depending on the severity of the injury.
The moment a parent notices something is wrong with their newborn’s arm — that it hangs limply, that it doesn’t move the way it... Read more
Weiss & Paarz is pleased to announce that Sarah Weiss has been elevated to Partner, effective August 1, 2026. Sarah has focused 100% of... Read more
What Is Medical Malpractice? Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor, hospital, or other healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and causes... Read more
Answers may only be a phone call away. Call 1-800-952-8444 or fill out our web submission form and our team will contact you to evaluate whether we can help with your potential claim on your behalf.
Two Bala Plaza, Suite 300 Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
923 Haddonfield Road, Suite 300 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
40 Bey Lea Rd, Building C, Floor 2 Toms River, NJ 08753
