Woodlawn families facing an Erb’s Palsy diagnosis deserve clear answers and determined advocacy. Jonathan Schochor and Kerry Staton of Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A. have been committed to protecting Maryland birth-injury victims for more than four decades. Their team has secured over $1 billion for injured children, bringing the same focus to every Woodlawn case.
A child’s brachial-plexus injury can lead to years of therapy, surgeries, and unexpected costs. The team understands the emotional and financial shock that follows a diagnosis from Northwest Hospital, Sinai, or another Baltimore County delivery unit. The Woodlawn Erb’s Palsy attorneys step in quickly, shouldering the legal burden and fighting for the resources that safeguard a child’s future.
Families can call (410) 234-1000 now for a free consultation. There is no fee unless they win compensation.
What Is Erb’s Palsy?
Erb’s Palsy is a brachial plexus birth injury that weakens or paralyzes a newborn’s shoulder and arm. The damaged nerves sit between the neck and shoulder and control movement from collarbone to fingers. Children often display the classic “waiter’s-tip” arm position, arm limp, palm turned backward, and limited elbow flexion.
The injury affects about 1–2 in every 1,000 U.S. births, roughly 12,000 infants a year, yet most Baltimore parents have never heard the term until diagnosis. Severity ranges widely: mild stretching may resolve with therapy, while complete nerve ruptures can leave permanent disability.
How Does Erb’s Palsy Happen?
Most cases arise during difficult vaginal deliveries that place excessive traction on a baby’s neck.
- Shoulder dystocia – The shoulder lodges behind the maternal pelvis and providers pull too hard.
- Macrosomia or maternal diabetes – Larger newborns get stuck more easily.
- Forceps or vacuum misuse – Improper instrument angle or force can tear nerves.
- Delayed or denied C-section – Waiting when fetal size or distress calls for surgery heightens risk.
- Breech extractions – Manipulating arms overhead can overstretch brachial fibers.
Uncommon factors, equipment failure, rare fetal positioning, or understaffed delivery teams, also appear in our Woodlawn case files. Our attorneys explore every scenario to pinpoint fault.
Can Doctors Prevent Erb’s Palsy?
Proper obstetric care can prevent most Erb’s Palsy injuries. Providers should identify risk factors early, use the McRoberts maneuver and suprapubic pressure for shoulder dystocia, summon additional staff, and pivot to a timely C-section when traction is unsafe. When these safeguards are ignored, negligence, not bad luck, usually explains a child’s injury.
