Adept Erb's Palsy Lawyers

If your child is exhibiting symptoms of or has been diagnosed with Erb’s palsy, you are likely overwhelmed with the potential exercises, physical therapy and maybe even surgeries that are necessary. The idea that their injury was caused through medical negligence is no-doubt frustrating. However, you are not alone. The Erb’s palsy lawyers of Prochaska, Howell & Prochaska LLC Law Firm want to secure financial compensation for the injury, which can help you better care for your child.

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What You Need to Know

Erb’s palsy is a form of brachial plexus palsy. The brachial plexus is a network of nerves near the neck that runs down the spine to the shoulder and all the nerves of the arm. These nerves provide movement and feeling to the arms, hands and fingers. Palsy means “weakness,” and brachial plexus birth palsy causes arm weakness and loss of motion.

  • Symptoms

    Erb’s palsy is usually diagnosed by a child’s pediatrician. The symptoms become more pronounced during developmental stages when a child first begins physical movement. The following symptoms may be evident during this period:

    • Lack of muscle control and feeling in the arms or hands
    • Lack of control while moving
    • Inability to use the shoulder or elbow
    • Paralysis of the arm
    • Needs help to sit up
    • Unable to crawl
  • Causes

    It is estimated that one or two out of every 1,000 babies have Erb’s palsy.

    • It is often caused when an infant’s head and neck are pulled toward the side at the same time as the shoulders as they pass through the birth canal (also known as shoulder dystocia).
    • Erb’s palsy injury also occurs during birth when the newborn’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone during delivery.
    • The condition can also be caused by excessive pulling on the shoulders during delivery or by pressure on the raised arms during a breech birth.
  • Types

    There are four types of Erb’s palsy:

    • Neuropraxia – This is the least severe and most common of all the brachial plexus injuries occurring outside the spinal cord. This is a “stretch injury” where the nerve is not torn but damaged by stretching. This causes a conduction block but fortunately does not involve permanent structural damage to the nerve.
    • Neuroma – When an injured brachial plexus nerve tries to repair itself, it forms scar tissue around the injury and interferes with the nerve sending signals to the muscles. The scar tissue forms specifically between the proximal and distal ends of the nerve to create a neuroma.
    • Rupture – In this injury, the nerve tears outside the spinal cord, causing damage to the nerve cells and supporting blood and connective tissue. If only the nerve cells are damaged, then they can fully recover and grow again.
    • Avulsion – This is the most severe type of Erb’s palsy, which involves the nerve being completely removed and torn off from the spinal cord. It usually occurs at the nerve rootlets or close to the spinal cord.
  • Treatment

    Treatment for Erb’s palsy includes exercise, physical therapy and even surgical intervention. Surgery can be complicated and expensive but it is an effective solution for some infants.

Bradley J. Prochaska

Bradley J. Prochaska

Attorney / Founder
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James R. Howell

James R. Howell

Attorney / Partner
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Ryan A. Prochaska

Ryan A. Prochaska

Attorney / Partner
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Michael W. Weber

Michael W. Weber

Associate Attorney
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Jakob J. Provo

Jakob J. Provo

Associate Attorney
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the injury experts

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With headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, PHP Law Firm Erb’s palsy lawyers serve clients in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Illinois and Colorado. If we feel you have a strong case, our goal will be to help you obtain medical malpractice compensation so your child can recover from their injury.

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Bradley J. Prochaska
James R. Howell
Ryan A. Prochaska
Michael W. Weber
Jakob J. Provo

Erb’s Palsy Resources

PHP Attorneys

Federation for Children with Special Needs

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PHP Attorneys

American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine

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Our highly qualified and compassionate team is available to listen and evaluate your case. We do not charge any fees unless we win. Call us at (800) 266-0036 to get started!

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