Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A. has spent decades standing up for children hurt at birth. As Wheaton Erb’s Palsy lawyers, Jonathan Schochor and Kerry Staton lead our team with the single goal of winning the resources your child needs to thrive. We know that a sudden diagnosis shakes a family’s sense of safety, and we respond with clear answers, practical guidance, and relentless advocacy.
Our attorneys have recovered multimillion-dollar results in birth-injury claims nationwide, and we bring that courtroom experience to DuPage County families without charging a fee unless we succeed. If your newborn shows any sign of arm weakness, call (410) 234-1000 for a free consultation today.
What Is Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s Palsy is a brachial-plexus nerve injury that limits a newborn’s shoulder and arm movement. The condition usually happens during a complicated vaginal delivery when the baby’s neck is stretched. Typical symptoms include a limp arm held against the body, little to no grip strength, and reduced reflexes on the affected side.
Roughly two of every 1,000 U.S. births end in Erb’s Palsy. Mild stretching heals within months, but ruptured or avulsed nerves may require surgery, years of therapy, or lifelong accommodations. Early diagnosis and intervention matter because gentle physical therapy in the first year often prevents joint contractures and muscle atrophy.
Brachial-Plexus Basics
The brachial plexus is the bundle of nerves that powers the shoulder, arm, and hand. When those nerves are stretched, torn, or detached, signals from the spine cannot reach the muscles, causing partial or complete paralysis.
Four Types of Nerve Damage
- Neurapraxia – temporary stretch, full recovery likely.
- Neuroma – scar tissue surrounds the nerve, limiting signals.
- Rupture – nerve tears, surgery often needed.
- Avulsion – nerve is pulled from the spinal cord, leaving permanent deficits.
How Delivery Errors Cause Erb’s Palsy
Delivery-room negligence causes most severe brachial plexus injuries. Obstetricians must anticipate shoulder dystocia, especially with large babies or diabetic mothers. Excessive traction on the baby’s head or misuse of forceps and vacuum extractors can tear the nerves in seconds.
Doctors have alternatives that avert nerve damage. Timely cesarean sections, proven shoulder-dystocia maneuvers, and ultrasound weight estimates reduce risk. When medical staff ignore these safeguards, the Wheaton birth-injury attorneys at Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A. move quickly to hold every responsible party liable.
Shoulder Dystocia & Excessive Traction
Shoulder dystocia occurs when the baby’s anterior shoulder lodges behind the mother’s pubic bone. Applying downward force on the head instead of repositioning the mother or baby stretches the neck by several inches, straining the brachial plexus.
Delayed or Missed Emergency C-Section
Fetal distress, macrosomia, or stalled labor signals the need for cesarean delivery. Postponing surgery in these scenarios prolongs compression inside the birth canal and raises the chance of nerve damage.
Misuse of Forceps or Vacuum Extractor
These tools save lives when used correctly, but twisting or pulling at the wrong angle adds dangerous traction to the infant’s neck.
Signs, Diagnosis and Long-Term Impact
Parents often notice Erb’s Palsy minutes after birth. The affected arm hangs limp, and the Moro reflex (startle response) appears only on one side. Pediatricians confirm the injury with physical exams and, when needed, nerve-conduction studies or MRI.
Most babies with neurapraxia regain full motion in three to six months. Rupture or avulsion may lead to muscle imbalance, scoliosis, or shoulder dislocation if untreated. Long-term therapy, tendon transfers, and nerve grafts can restore partial function, but children may face limits in sports, self-care, and employment.
Early-Warning Symptoms in Newborns
- No shoulder movement but normal finger wiggle
- Weak grip on the injured side
- Absent Moro reflex on one arm
Potential Lifelong Complications
Chronic pain, limited range of motion, and psychological effects such as decreased confidence can follow severe cases.
