Brachial Plexus Injuries & Erb's Palsy

Shoulder dystocia is a relatively common complication experienced during childbirth. It occurs when the infant's shoulder's become impacted behind the mother's pelvic wall. Shoulder dystocia is usually encountered with large babies weighing in excess of 4,500 grams (fetal macrosomia), but that is not always the case. Other predictors of possible shoulder dystocia are significant maternal weight gain and gestational diabetes.


Most obstetricians can predict whether a delivery presents a risk of shoulder dystocia, and can take a number of precautions--including cesarean delivery--to avoid it.

In some cases, however, shoulder dystocia cannot be predicted. Doctors and nurses that encounter this condition can employ a variety of techniques to help avoid serious injuries, such as the McRoberts maneuver, application of suprapubic pressure, or something known as the "corkscrew" maneuver.

Unfortunately, in some cases, physicians or medical staff have not been properly trained in these procedures. Other times, doctors might rush to use an instrument such as a vacuum extractor or forceps to help extract the infant.

Such inappropriate actions often result in injury to the brachial plexus nerves in the infant's neck. These injuries can range from strain, which may heal over time, to complete avulsion. Depending on the severity of the injury to the brachial plexus nerves, a child may develop a condition known as Erb's Palsy.

Erb's Palsy can result in a crippling disability to a child's upper extremity. While some surgical procedures can increased the range of motion, many children never regain full use of their arms. Though children suffering from Erb's Palsy can be happy and confident, simple tasks such as eating with utensils and putting on socks serve as frustrating reminders that they are different from their playmates.

Recovering for Minor Plaintiffs: What's Next?

Recovering monetary awards for medical expenses and pain and suffering caused by birth injuries is an important part of our job. It is rarely, however, the last step in the litigation process. The Utah malpractice attorneys at G. Eric Nielson & Associates also work closely with parents and legal guardians to assist with planning for a minor's future medical and other expenses.

One of the most frightening aspects of having a child who has suffered a birth injury or other harm from medical malpractice is planning for their future economic needs. Birth injuries resulting in cerebral palsy, nerve damage, or other complications guarantee a lifetime of medical bills and other unique expenses. We make it a priority to assist clients with planning for the future needs of children who are victims of medical malpractice. Through our network of experts, and close relationships with financial professionals, we can help parents answer questions about the future health care needs of children who are victims of medical malpractice.

Additionally, many young children are dependent on state and federal assistance programs. Without careful planning, settlement of a minor's personal injury claim can jeopardize their eligibility for certain kinds of government assistance. The attorneys at G. Eric Nielson & Associates will assist parents and legal guardians in planning for these special needs.

If you are the parent of a child who has suffered a birth injury or other harm from medical negligence, contact the medical malpractice attorneys at G. Eric Nielson & Associates today.