Bel Air South birth-injury attorney Jonathan Schochor has spent more than 35 years investigating complex delivery errors and holding negligent hospitals accountable. Our founding partner Kerry Staton, a board-certified civil-trial specialist, has secured multiple eight-figure verdicts that fund lifelong care for injured children. Together, Schochor and Staton lead a Bel Air South Erb’s Palsy legal team known for meticulous case preparation and heartfelt advocacy.

We serve families across Harford County, routinely working with parents whose babies were delivered at UM Upper Chesapeake Medical Center and other regional hospitals. Consultations are free, and you pay nothing unless we win, We advance every cost, from expert fees to courtroom exhibits.

“Kerry Staton and Josh Kahn handled my case extremely well. From the first contact up to the outcome, along with team (sic), they were very professional and provided great counsel.” –Laetitia March-Nulton

If you’re worried about how your child’s Erb’s Palsy will shape the future, reach out now. Call our Bel Air South Erb’s Palsy team at (443) 909-2792 or send us a quick message for a free, no-obligation consultation. We advance every cost and you owe nothing unless we win so getting answers starts risk-free today.

What Is Erb’s Palsy?

Erb’s Palsy is a brachial plexus birth injury that weakens or paralyzes a newborn’s shoulder and upper arm. The brachial plexus is the bundle of nerves that powers every movement from neck to fingers; when those nerves stretch or tear during delivery, the infant’s arm may hang limp or lack a normal grip. About 1–2 in every 1,000 births result in Erb’s Palsy, making it uncommon but tragically familiar to families we help.

Why Does Erb’s Palsy Happen, and Could Doctors Have Prevented It?

Erb’s Palsy almost always stems from excessive traction on a baby’s head, neck, or shoulder during birth. Our Bel Air South Erb’s Palsy attorneys see five recurring scenarios:

  • Shoulder Dystocia – the baby’s shoulder is lodged behind the pelvic bone, and the clinician pulls too hard.
  • Improper Forceps or Vacuum Use – tools applied at the wrong angle or with unsafe force stretch delicate nerves.
  • Breech Deliveries – feet-first births place extra pressure on raised arms.
  • Large Birth Weight – a 9-pound baby often signals the need for an early C-section that some doctors ignore.
  • Prolonged or Rapid Labor Maneuvers – hurried techniques can trade speed for safety.

Experienced obstetricians are taught gentle “McRoberts” positioning, episiotomies, and timely C-sections to prevent these injuries. When they skip proven methods, medical negligence has likely occurred—and we work with leading obstetrical experts to prove it.

Key Risk Factors Doctors Should Anticipate

  • Baby estimated > 8 lbs 13 oz
  • Maternal or gestational diabetes
  • Prior delivery complicated by shoulder dystocia
  • Prolonged labor exceeding 20 hours
  • Breech position close to term

A skilled provider who spots any of these red flags plans accordingly. Failure to do so often strengthens your malpractice claim.

How Can I Tell If My Newborn Has Erb’s Palsy?

Parents usually notice Erb’s Palsy right after birth: one arm lies still against the body, the elbow won’t lift, or the hand grasps weakly. The classic “startle” reflex appears on only one side. Neonatal physicians confirm the injury with a focused exam and, when necessary, imaging like MRI to rule out fractures. If movement does not improve over days or weeks, prompt therapy becomes urgent. Another cost we help families cover.

Is Erb’s Palsy Permanent? What Treatments Can Help?

Outcomes vary with nerve damage severity. 80–90 % of babies whose nerves were only stretched regain near-normal function within 6–12 months of daily physical therapy. When nerves are torn or avulsed, recovery may require:

  • Nerve graft or transfer surgery in the first year of life
  • Muscle or tendon transfers during early childhood
  • Long-term occupational therapy to build fine-motor skills

Severe cases can leave lasting weakness or limited range of motion. Compensation makes the difference between minimal care and the best specialists, equipment, and educational support.

Are There Different Types of Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries?

  • Erb’s Palsy – damage to C5–C6 (sometimes C7); weak shoulder/upper arm.
  • Klumpke’s Palsy – lower roots C8–T1; limp wrist and hand, possible Horner’s syndrome.
  • Total Brachial Plexus Paralysis – C5–T1; the entire arm immobile.
  • Bilateral Injuries – both arms affected (rare but devastating).

Whatever the diagnosis, our Bel Air South birth-injury attorneys pursue the same goal: full financial support for lifelong care needs.

Can I Sue for My Baby’s Erb’s Palsy in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland parents may pursue a malpractice claim when a healthcare provider breaches the standard of care and that mistake causes a brachial plexus injury. We must show:

  1. A doctor-patient relationship existed.
  2. The provider deviated from safe obstetric practices.
  3. That deviation directly injured your child.
  4. Tangible damages resulted.

Our team secures a Certificate of Merit from an independent obstetric expert, files suit against every responsible party: physician, nurse, or hospital and guides you through each phase with clarity.

What Compensation Can Our Family Recover in an Erb’s Palsy Case?

Successful claims may include:

  • Past and future medical bills—NICU stays, therapy, surgeries.
  • Long-term care and adaptive equipment—in-home aides, modified vehicles, orthotic devices.
  • Future earning-capacity loss—protecting your child’s adulthood.
  • Pain, suffering, and loss of life enjoyment—recognizing daily challenges.
  • Home modifications or special education services—ensuring full participation in school and community life.

Financial recovery cannot undo the harm, but it funds every resource your child will need to thrive.

How Long Do I Have to File an Erb’s Palsy Lawsuit in Maryland?

In most cases, Maryland law requires filing within five years of the injury or three years from discovery, whichever is earlier, typically before your child’s fifth birthday. Certain military or government hospital cases carry shorter notice deadlines, so contacting us quickly protects your rights.

What Should I Expect During an Erb’s Palsy Lawsuit?

  1. Free Consultation: Our Bel Air South Erb’s Palsy lawyers review medical records and explain your options.
  2. Investigation & Filing: We gather delivery notes, fetal-monitor strips, and expert opinions, then file in the proper court.
  3. Discovery: Depositions and document exchanges uncover exactly what happened and project your child’s lifetime needs.
  4. Negotiation or Trial: Many hospitals settle once they see our evidence; if not, trial attorney Kerry Staton presents a compelling case to the jury.

Throughout, we handle every detail and advance all expenses, letting you focus on your child’s care.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

Your child’s future deserves every opportunity, and you shouldn’t shoulder this burden alone. Call (443) 909-2792 or visit us at 1211 St Paul St., Baltimore, MD 21202. Our Bel Air South birth-injury attorneys can meet in our office, at your home, or in the hospital, whatever is easiest for your family. The consultation is free, and there is no fee unless we win.

If you believe proper care could have prevented your baby’s injury, let Jonathan Schochor and Kerry Staton review your case. Contact us today and learn how we can help secure a brighter tomorrow for your child.