Erb’s palsy is a condition that can affect a baby’s arm following an injury to the nerves around the shoulder and neck during birth. In some cases, Erb’s palsy can occur as a result of complications during delivery, including excessive force being applied when assisting with the birth.
For parents whose child has been diagnosed with Erb’s palsy, understanding the condition, its potential causes and the legal options available can be important. If you believe your child’s injury may have resulted from negligent medical treatment, Kerrigan Solicitors can advise you about the possibility of an Erb’s palsy claim.
What is Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s palsy, sometimes referred to as Erb-Duchenne palsy, is caused by damage to a group of nerves known as the brachial plexus. These nerves are responsible for movement and sensation in the shoulder, arm and hand.
The severity of the injury can vary. Some babies may experience temporary weakness and recover with treatment, while more serious nerve injuries can result in longer-term difficulties with movement and function.
A child with Erb’s palsy may have difficulty moving the affected arm, reduced sensation or weakness in the shoulder, elbow or hand. The precise symptoms and long-term effects will depend on the nature and extent of the nerve injury.
What Causes Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s palsy can occur during childbirth. Risk factors can include a baby being particularly large, shoulder dystocia, or difficulties during delivery.
Not every case of Erb’s palsy is caused by medical negligence. However, in some circumstances, an injury may occur because appropriate care was not provided during pregnancy, labour or delivery.
Can You Make an Erb’s Palsy Claim?
If your child has suffered an injury and you believe that the injury resulted from negligent medical treatment, you may be able to pursue an Erb’s palsy medical negligence claim.
A solicitor will typically investigate the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy and birth. This may involve obtaining medical records, including maternity notes, scans, monitoring records and information relating to the delivery.
Independent medical evidence may also be required to determine the nature of the injury, whether the standard of care was appropriate and the likely long-term impact on the child.
Erb’s Palsy Compensation
The amount of Erb’s palsy compensation in Ireland will depend on the individual circumstances of the case. Relevant factors can include the severity and permanence of the injury, the treatment required, the effect on the child’s everyday activities and any future care, medical or financial needs.
The potential long-term consequences of a birth injury can be difficult for parents to assess when a child is very young. Specialist medical evidence can therefore be important when considering the future impact of Erb’s palsy.
Speak to Kerrigan Solicitors
If your child has been diagnosed with Erb’s palsy and you are concerned about the circumstances surrounding their birth, it may be appropriate to seek advice from a birth injury solicitor.
Kerrigan Solicitors can review the circumstances of a potential Erb’s palsy claim, explain the legal process and advise you about the evidence that may be required.
If you believe your child’s Erb’s palsy may have been caused by medical negligence, contact Kerrigan Solicitors by email at m.kerrigan@kerrigansolicitors.ie or telephone at 091 820630, or visit our website for further information.
We meet with clients throughout Ireland, including in counties such as Galway, Clare, Limerick, Kerry and Cork.