The arrival of a baby ought to be a moment of pure celebration. Yet for some Bethesda parents, that joy is shaken when a preventable delivery mistake leaves their newborn with Erb’s palsy.
Our Bethesda Erb’s palsy attorneys at Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A. understand the fear, the questions, and the urgent need for answers. We have dedicated decades to helping families secure the resources and peace of mind required to give their children the brightest future possible.
Call our Bethesda Erb’s palsy attorneys now at (410) 234-1000 for a free, no-obligation consultation or send us your details through our secure form and get answers within hours.
What Is Erb’s Palsy and Why Does It Happen?
Erb’s palsy is a brachial-plexus nerve injury that weakens or paralyzes a child’s shoulder and arm. Roughly 1 to 2 of every 1,000 U.S. births involve this condition. The damage usually occurs during a difficult vaginal delivery when excessive stretching tears or bruises the nerves. Early physical therapy may restore partial function, but many children need surgery, lifelong treatment, or adaptive devices. Understanding the medical “why” is the first step toward proving legal responsibility.
How Medical Negligence Causes Erb’s Palsy in Newborns
Most brachial-plexus injuries are avoidable when clinicians follow established delivery protocols. Our attorneys reveal the hidden errors that often cause lasting harm:
Shoulder Dystocia Mismanaged
A baby’s shoulder lodges behind the mother’s pelvis. If staff ignore warning signs or skip proper maneuvers, forceful traction can rip delicate nerves.
Breech Delivery Complications
Breech presentation should trigger careful planning or a C-section. Attempting a risky feet-first delivery without adequate precautions amplifies the chance of nerve damage.
Excessive Traction or Improper Tools
Forceps, vacuum extractors, or even aggressive manual pulling can apply dangerous torque to the neck and shoulder. “Gentle” traction is the standard of care; anything stronger can constitute malpractice.
Delayed or Denied C-Section
Large baby, fetal distress, or stalled labor signals the need for surgical delivery. Waiting too long traps the infant in a tight birth canal and often ends with frantic pulling that injures the brachial plexus.
Could My Child’s Erb’s Palsy Have Been Prevented?
With vigilant prenatal care and prompt decisions in the delivery room, most Erb’s palsy injuries never occur. Less obvious errors include:
- Ignored maternal diabetes leading to macrosomia that called for a planned C-section.
- Undiagnosed oligohydramnios that produced a rushed, high-risk delivery.
- Poorly supervised VBAC where escalating complications should have halted labor.
- Improper fundal pressure or communication breakdowns among fatigued staff.
If any of these scenarios sound familiar, the injury was probably not your fault—and legal action may be the only path to lifelong care for your child.
Why Your Family Needs a Bethesda Erb’s Palsy Attorney
A malpractice claim is complex, expert-driven, and fiercely defended by hospital insurers. We:
- Investigate every record, fetal monitor strip, and operative note with leading medical experts.
- Prove negligence under Maryland law and counter common hospital defenses.
- Value losses that include surgeries, therapy, special education, and a lifetime of diminished earning capacity.
- Negotiate or litigate relentlessly—our firm has recovered over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements for medical negligence victims.
- Lift the burden so parents can focus on their child’s healing, not paperwork and legal deadlines.
Local knowledge matters. We routinely handle claims involving Suburban Hospital on Old Georgetown Road, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, and other Montgomery County delivery facilities. Our trial team knows the judges, the courthouse, and the rules that shape Bethesda cases.
