Nashville Erb's Palsy Lawyer

Erb's Palsy & Shoulder Dystocia Claims

If your child suffers from Erb's palsy or Klumpke's palsy as a result of a preventable birth injury, his or her ability to live a normal life is greatly hindered by potential pain and severe limitations on movement.

Erb's palsy is paralysis or severe limitation to mobility in the arms that occurs when the fifth and sixth cervical nerve in the brachial plexus are injured. Similarly, Klumpke’s paralysis affects the muscles in the person’s hand and forearm, and is caused when the first thoracic nerve and the eighth cervical nerve in the brachial plexus are injured.

In some cases, the baby's size, the length of labor, or the health of the mother are the sole causes of this injury. In other cases, Erb's palsy or Klumpke's palsy is a direct result of medical negligence.

Although each case of shoulder dystocia and brachial plexus injury must be independently evaluated, those caused by medical malpractice are particularly tragic for the children and parents involved. The good news is that you are not alone during this time—Kinnard Law is here to stand up for your right to compensation. Call (615) 933-2893.

Causes of Erb's Palsy & Klumpke's Palsy

Doctors and medical professionals are required to provide reasonable care that meets certain standards. When a nurse, doctor, or other medical specialist fails to act in a reasonable manner or is negligent, it can result in serious injuries—especially during childbirth. Erb’s palsy is one of the many birth injuries that can occur due to negligence.

Some of the main causes of Erb's palsy and Klumpke's palsy include:

• Excessive pulling of the baby from the womb during birth
• Improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction methods
• Lodging of an oversized baby in the birth canal

There is an increased risk of injury to the nerves in the brachial plexus when the infant’s shoulders have difficulty passing through the birth canal, which can occur during prolonged labor, a breech delivery if the infant is larger than average, or if the infant’s shoulder is difficult to deliver after the head has emerged, also known as shoulder dystocia. If medical professionals are concerned about the risk of a difficult delivery, they will often perform a C-section.

Types of Brachial Plexus Injuries

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke list four different types of injuries to the nerves in the brachial plexus that can lead to varying severities of Klumpke paralysis and Erb’s palsy:

• Avulsion: The nerves are torn where they attach to the spine. This is the most severe type of injury.
• Rupture: The nerves are torn away from where they attach to the spine.
• Neuroma: The nerves were torn, and have healed, but the scar tissue is putting pressure on the nerve, preventing it from properly conducting signals to the muscles.
• Neuropraxia: The nerves are damaged, but have not torn.

How Kinnard Law Can Help

At Kinnard Law, we protect the interests of parents and children affected by Erb's palsy. Our Nashville Erb's palsy lawyers have more than 150 years of legal experience. We are supported by two Board-Certified Medical Malpractice Specialists who bring a unique level of insight and understanding to such cases.

When you call us, you can expect the following:

• Compassionate and caring representation
• Access to a team of expert medical evaluators
• Specialists who can help evaluate your claim
• Case strategies backed by our proven record of success

At Kinnard Law, we understand just how much Klumpke paralysis and Erb’s palsy can affect the lives of you and your loved ones, and are prepared to fight for your right to fair compensation. We will work hard to help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation possible to ensure your family can properly care for your child and that they can live a full life. Give us a call to set up a meeting with our brachial plexus injury attorneys in Nashville.

To schedule a detailed consultation with one of our Erb's palsy attorneys in Nashville, call (615) 933-2893.