Erb's Palsy

Erb’s Palsy Lawyers in Detroit, Michigan -- Brachial Plexus Injuries

At Reiter & Walsh, P.C., representing clients in Detroit and throughout Michigan, our Erb’s palsy or brachial plexus lawyers have exceptional skill and experience litigating these complex cases. To find out how our attorneys can benefit you, contact our practice today.

What is Erb’s Palsy?

Erb’s palsy, also known as Duchenne’s palsy, occurs when the muscles in the upper arm and shoulder are impaired as the result of damage to the brachial plexus. A similar condition, known as Klumpke’s palsy, occurs when the lower arm and hand are impaired due to brachial plexus damage.

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that provides movement and sensation to the arm, hand, and fingers. Therefore, individuals with Erb’s palsy typically suffer from a loss of sensation and muscle control in these areas.

Although the condition can occur at any age, Erb’s palsy is common among infants following a difficult delivery. While complications may arise during delivery, most complications, including birth injuries, are preventable.

Erb’s palsy is often diagnosed when an infant is able to move one arm but not the other. Fortunately, over time and with therapy, these individuals are usually able to regain full use of the affected arm. If your child suffers from a brachial plexus injury, you may have a legal case. Based in Detroit, our Erb’s palsy attorneys travel all over Michigan and can effectively evaluate your claim to determine whether or not you are entitled to compensation.

Causes of Erb’s Palsy

Erb’s palsy is typically caused by trauma such as stretching of the brachial plexus nerves during a difficult birth. The brachial plexus is located just beneath the clavicle (collar bone) and can be damaged as a result of force. For instance, if an infant’s shoulder gets caught on the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery and the medical staff is not prepared or does not take the proper action, the brachial plexus nerves may be torn or strained, resulting in Erb’s palsy. At Reiter & Walsh, P.C., handling cases in Detroit and across Michigan, our Erb’s palsy attorneys can evaluate your case to determine the cause of injury. Our lawyers will then hold the responsible party liable.

Women who have gestational diabetes, a small pelvis, are obese, or have given birth to large babies in the past are at a higher risk for complications that could lead the infant to suffer from Erb’s palsy. Such individuals should be closely monitored to ensure the safe delivery of a healthy baby. Contact our Detroit firm, serving all of Michigan, if your child has suffered a brachial plexus injury due to the negligence of medical personnel. Our Erb’s palsy lawyers can provide effective legal representation.

Brachial Plexus Injuries

There are four different types of brachial plexus injuries:

Avulsion injuries:

These are the most serious brachial plexus injuries, occurring when the nerve is torn or separated from the spinal cord.

Rupture injuries:

These injuries occur when the nerve is torn somewhere other than at the spinal cord.

Neuroma injuries:

Neuroma injuries are the result of scar tissue that puts pressure on the nerve.

Stretch injuries:

Stretch injuries are the most common, resulting from a nerve that is damaged, but not torn. Typically, stretch injuries heal by themselves within a few months.

Do I Have an Erb’s Palsy Case?

Birth injury cases often involve complex litigation. If you suspect that your child suffered a brachial plexus injury such as Klumpke’s palsy or Erb’s palsy, our attorneys at Reiter & Walsh, P.C. can provide optimal legal representation. Located in Detroit and representing clients throughout the state of Michigan, our Erb’s palsy lawyers have an extensive understanding of brachial plexus injuries. Contact our attorneys today for a complimentary case evaluation.