Our Severn Erb’s palsy attorneys have devoted decades to holding negligent medical providers accountable. Jonathan Schochor, a nationally recognized birth-injury litigator, and Kerry Staton, a veteran Severn brachial plexus injury lawyer, lead every case our firm accepts.
We have recovered hundreds of millions for injured children since 1984 and maintain an in-house medical team that pinpoints the exact moment hospital errors caused harm.
Although our main office sits at 1211 St Paul St., Baltimore, we routinely drive to Severn, Odenton, Fort Meade, and Hanover, or meet families virtually, because every minute matters when a baby’s future is at stake. Most importantly, we handle cases on a contingency fee basis: you owe nothing unless we win. Call (443) 909-2792 today for a free consultation.
What Is Erb’s Palsy and How Does It Affect a Newborn?
Erb’s palsy is a brachial plexus nerve injury that weakens or paralyzes a newborn’s shoulder and arm. Parents often notice a limp arm, an absent startle reflex on one side, or the classic “waiter’s-tip” posture. Roughly 1–3 of every 1,000 births result in Erb’s palsy. While many babies regain strength with therapy, severe tears may cause lifelong disability or require nerve-graft surgery.
What Causes Erb’s Palsy in Newborns?
Erb’s palsy usually stems from avoidable mistakes in the delivery room.
Common negligence-related causes include:
- Excessive traction during shoulder dystocia – pulling too hard on the baby’s head or neck.
- Misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors – improper angle or force can shred fragile nerves.
- Failure to order a timely C-section for macrosomic babies – large infants face higher risk of shoulder entrapment.
- Rough breech extraction – tugging on arms or legs in breech deliveries overstretches the plexus.
Competent obstetricians anticipate these dangers, employ gentle maneuvers, or choose surgery. When they don’t, nerve damage is the predictable, preventable result.
Could Proper Medical Care Have Prevented My Child’s Injury?
Most Erb’s palsy cases are preventable when doctors follow established safety protocols.
Risk factors such as gestational diabetes, abnormal fetal position, or prolonged labor should trigger early intervention or elective C-section.
If your provider ignored those warnings or used excessive force, your baby’s injury was not an unavoidable complication. It was medical malpractice. We encourage you to have our Severn birth injury lawyers review the records immediately.
Are There Uncommon Forms of Brachial Plexus Injury?
A seasoned Severn Erb’s palsy attorney understands every variant:
- Klumpke’s palsy – lower-plexus damage causing hand weakness and possible Horner’s syndrome.
- Total plexus paralysis – injury to all five nerve roots (C5–T1) leaving the entire arm immobile.
- Bilateral injuries – exceptionally rare cases where both arms suffer trauma during complicated twin or breech deliveries.
Regardless of rarity, the functional and emotional toll on a family is profound—and fully deserving of legal redress.
Can We Sue the Doctor or Hospital for Causing Erb’s Palsy?
Parents have the right to file a medical malpractice claim when negligent care injures a child.
Our investigation targets every liable party, from the delivering OB/GYN to assisting nurses and the hospital itself, and proves four elements:
- Duty of care.
- Breach of that duty.
- Causal link between the breach and the nerve injury.
- Measurable damages to your child and family.
Jonathan Schochor, Severn Erb’s palsy lawyer, partners with pediatric neurology experts who testify that correct technique would have prevented the damage. We handle all filings, including Maryland’s required Certificate of Qualified Expert.
What Compensation Can a Lawsuit Recover?
A successful claim secures resources your child will need for life:
- Medical costs – surgeries, physical and occupational therapy, adaptive equipment.
- Future care – in-home assistance, additional operations, and home modifications.
- Pain and emotional suffering – capped for non-economic damages in Maryland (about $905,000 in 2025) but fully pursued.
- Lost income – parents’ missed work now and the child’s reduced earning capacity later.
Our goal is full, fair compensation so financial stress never limits your child’s potential.
How Long Do We Have to File an Erb’s Palsy Lawsuit in Maryland?
Maryland generally requires filing within five years of the injury or three years from discovery, whichever is earlier. For birth injuries, parents may sue until the child’s 11th birthday, yet waiting risks lost evidence and fading memories. Our Severn brachial plexus injury attorneys handle the mandatory Health Care Alternative Dispute Resolution Office process and ensure every deadline is met.
How Can a Severn Erb’s Palsy Lawyer Help My Family?
A thorough legal and medical investigation is essential. We:
- Collect prenatal records, delivery notes, and fetal monitoring strips.
- Consult top OB/GYN, neonatology, and life-care-planning experts.
- Identify all responsible providers and insurers.
- Negotiate aggressively and, if necessary, litigate before an Anne Arundel County jury.
Throughout the process, we offer compassionate guidance, connect you with early intervention programs, and keep you informed at every turn.
Why Does Experience Matter in Birth Injury Litigation?
Birth-injury law sits at the crossroads of medicine and jurisprudence. Kerry Staton, Severn birth injury attorney, reads fetal heart monitor strips as fluently as legal briefs, anticipates hospital defense strategies, and leverages a nationwide network of pediatric neurologists.
Our firm has the financial resources to fund complex expert testimony and the courtroom track record to counter claims that “nothing could have been done.”
What Local Resources Support Severn Families Living with Erb’s Palsy?
Severn parents often deliver at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis or UM Baltimore Washington Medical Center in Glen Burnie, high-volume maternity hospitals serving thousands each year.
The Maryland Infants & Toddlers Program offers free early intervention therapy for children under three, and regional brachial-plexus support groups connect families facing similar challenges.
From Severn and Odenton to Fort Meade and Hanover, our attorneys guide families to these services while we pursue justice.
How Do I Get a Free Consultation with a Severn Erb’s Palsy Lawyer?
If you suspect medical negligence caused your child’s Erb’s palsy, call (443) 909-2792 or complete our online form for a free, no-obligation case review.
We charge no fees unless we win, so cost never stands between your family and accountability. Maryland’s deadlines are strict. Contact us today so we can start protecting your child’s future.
“SSGC provided exceptional service with a perfect balance of professionalism and personable care. Their knowledgeable team explained every detail clearly, leaving no question unanswered. Their attention to detail and commitment to client success set them apart. Highly recommended for anyone seeking expert, legal guidance. Unmatched representation!” – David V.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Erb’s Palsy heal on its own without surgery?
Mild stretch injuries often improve within months through guided physical therapy, but severe nerve tears seldom recover fully without surgical repair. An early specialist evaluation is crucial.
Is Erb’s Palsy the same as Cerebral Palsy?
No. Erb’s palsy results from nerve damage to the arm and shoulder, while cerebral palsy stems from brain injury affecting muscle control throughout the body.
How much does it cost to hire an Erb’s Palsy lawyer?
Our Severn birth-injury attorneys work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing upfront and nothing at all unless we obtain compensation for you.
What should I do if I think the doctor caused my baby’s injury?
Prioritize your child’s medical care, but do not sign hospital documents or accept quick settlements. Preserve records and contact an experienced Severn Erb’s palsy attorney immediately to protect your rights.
Testimonial
“Thank you for your very skilled, legal advice along with your positivity, honesty, kindness, compassion, and support with my case during an incredibly stressful time. I am beyond grateful to you and your team of experts for bringing much-needed closure. I hope I should not have to, but in the future, I will recommend your professional services to anyone requiring legal expertise. I highly recommend Jim and his team!” – Ryan